Topic 'Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice' in forum 'Verizon Fiber Optics' - dslreports.com

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:37:51 EDT

Libra posted : When I showed the tech the message "no internet" even though I have internet on those computers, he questioned if it's shut down daily - it's not. He shut it down and turned it back on. the no internet message was gone. Later on, the same thing happened with the laptop. The laptop came up with a Networking notice also.

When I finally got into my router I was able to see both desktop computers listed.

It seems that everything is good and thank you, More Fiber, for giving me the directions to change the SSID number.

Sincerely, Libra

Good News!

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:30:14 EDT

Libra posted : I'm happy to say that within 2 hours of calling support, a Verizon installer came to the door. He was very good and very patient. He brought a 7232 DVR - he said he didn't know if Verizon would charge for this since we are getting the current MR DVR free for 18 months. I also mentioned we have another 6416 DVR that we are paying $16.99 for monthly. He switched out the 6416 to the 7232 in the living room! He also installed the HDMI wires in 2 televisions.

He tried but couldn't get another router for me, but he reset it and I was able to change the SSID and put in the WPA-2 password. We exited it and I got in again. :) I forgot to ask him if he had a stand, but I have the feeling he probably didn't. Since they're known to run hot and I can't get a newer one, I won't worry about it.

If I go into the firewall will I see that the NAT is working?

Regarding the tv that lost its fios, he fixed that and also connected the dvd/vcr correctly so it now works.

He looked at the remote to my television and it didn't take him long before he had the remote controlling my tv and receiver.

I also asked him to check how the ONT outside was connected since I could see about 1/2 inch of the screw behind the top. He said it is secure.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dave - thank you for those instructions. I will bookmark the page.

I appreciate everyone's help and advice.

Sincerely, Libra

I will make another post about my Network.

Re: Not very happy with the install

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 14:54:40 EDT

nycdave posted : More Fiber, the 2 button remote covers over 98% of all TV's ever manufactured. The 4-button remote had quite a few less codes than the 2-button.

The OP needs to follow the code search directions carefully in order to find the correct code for their TV:

»www22.verizon.com/Support/Reside···etup.htm

Daewoo is showing code 086.

Re: Not very happy with the install

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 14:03:55 EDT

More Fiber posted :

said by Libra:

when I start to type in my password it is putting in 7 digits, then a few more.

That is a supposed security feature. Just ignore the extra dots. Cut and paste is disabled, so that won't work. If all else fails, do a hard reset on the router, you'll be prompted to enter a new user name and password.
»Verizon Online FiOS FAQ »I can't login to the VZ router

said by Libra:

We are also having problems with the Fios in one bedroom which we got a DVR for (they gave us the old 6416-2 there also). The tech didn't connect the dvd/vcr player properly. A friend came by and tried to help - now we have no tv whatsover in that room.

The VZ DVRs don't have aux-in jacks.
Does you DVD player support component video (red,blue,green cables) in and out? If so, then you can do this:


DVR(out)--component-->(in)DVD(out)--component-->TV

If your DVD player does not support component video in and out, then you're going to be constrained to SD if you want the DVD player between the VZ DVR and the TV. If the DVD player has only composite video (red,white,yellow cables) in and out, then you can do this:


DVR(out)--composite-->(in)DVD(out)--composite-->TV

Of course if your TV supports multiple inputs, you can connect it directly to the TV.

said by Libra:

I didn't mention this to the tech on the phone today, but are you familiar with the plain STB QIP2500-3. It can't identify my television (an odd name, Daewoo)

I assume we're talking about the two button remote. The two button remote has very limited device support. I don't know if the four button remote supports Daewoo or not. (I'm not at home and don't have access to the programming guide for the 4 button remote). My suggestion is to get a true universal remote such as a Harmony One.

--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Re: Not very happy with the install

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:14:15 EDT

Libra posted : Hi More Fiber,

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, things are going from bad to worse. After reading your message I tried to access the router and when I start to type in my password it is putting in 7 digits, then a few more. In any event I can't get in. I tried it from another wired computer and it did the same thing.

We are also having problems with the Fios in one bedroom which we got a DVR for (they gave us the old 6416-2 there also). The tech didn't connect the dvd/vcr player properly. A friend came by and tried to help - now we have no tv whatsover in that room.

With all of this and my inability to find a way to order a new MR DVR with 500 gb - I called tech support. He tried to help with the tv and router, but even cutting and pasting the password into the router also ended with a "login failed".

He's going to have a supervisor call before someone comes out today (I hope). He questioned if we already had Fios and didn't know why we were given such old equipment. The installer said he only had refurbished equipment on his truck.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I didn't mention this to the tech on the phone today, but are you familiar with the plain STB QIP2500-3. It can't identify my television (an odd name, Daewoo) I'm wondering if it is old and possibly a newer version would help. As it stands now the only thing the remote will do is change channels and go into the menu, guide. It's a bit annoying.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Not very happy with the install

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 19:50:16 EDT

More Fiber posted : Sorry your install didn't go smoothly and you didn't get the equipment you wanted.

Router manuals can be found online.
»www.actiontec.com/products/produ···?pid=188
You can also find it on the VZ site, but not sure VZ has version specific manuals.

I don't think there is a manual for the STB/DVR.

There should be no problem changing the SSID.
Click on the wireless settings icon.
Select basic settings from the left menu.
Make sure wireless is enabled.
Enter the SSID you want on line 2.
Apply.

Try calling VZ support and telling them the router the tech gave you doesn't support your wireless-N only devices. You may be able to get a rev. F or later router which does support wireless-N.

Not sure why your PC's are showing no internet access.
What OS? If Windows, have your done an IPCONFIG /RELEASE and /RENEW ?

Don't know what you mean by "I didn't have network".

Yes, the older Actiontec routers run very hot. As long as there is plenty of air circulation, doesn't seem to affect them.

The router supports either coax or cat5 WAN connection to the ONT. If you had a cat5 WAN connection, that would connect to the WAN port on the back of the router.

With regard to the 6416 you mentioned in your post before editing it, the 6416 is an older, slower DVR. it does not support the 16x9 IMG. Nor does it support adding an external eSata drive. I'm surprised VZ is issuing them on new installs. VZ was doing so about a year ago after the flood in Thailand cause a drive shortage, but yours is the first report I've seen lately of a 6416 on a new install. Again, I would suggest calling and complaining. Tell them you were promised you could connect your eSata drive. You should be able to get them to send you a 7216. I found a 7216 with a 1TB external drive was quite adequate.
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Not very happy with the install

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:40:45 EDT

Libra posted : I am editing this post since it was too long. I can mention one problem at a time.

Triple Play was installed yesterday. I'm not very happy with Verizon. They gave us old, refurbished equipment and no manuals.

I will discuss the router now. The installer gave me the Actiontec M1424WR FiosN Router - REV E. I asked him to help me set up WPA-2 and he told me I couldn't with this router. He would give me the WEP. Thank God I had asked here a while ago how to set up the WPA-2 in the Actiontec - I followed those instructions and set it up. The Authentication method said "pre-shared key". I put in my own password. I tried but was unable to change the name of the SSID.

My other desktop and laptop both show "no internet access" in the icon representing a connection. Meanwhile both computers can access the internet. Is this normal after changing from DSL to Fios? The installer had me right-click on the no access message and Windows troubleshot it and said there is internet access. Also, I got a message saying I didn't have networK?? I tested the printer which is connected with the ethernet cable and it works in both computers.

The router is HOT. Is this to be expected when the router has the stbs listed? I did not receive a stand for the router, although I did ask the installer for one.

Just curious, what is the WAN for on the back of the router? Nothing is in it.

Thank you for any comments on these items.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:18:38 EDT

More Fiber posted :

said by nycdave:

They will have an updated label indicating the larger HD capacity.

Thanks Dave. I've updated the FAQ. Hopefully that will reduce some of the confusion.
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 19:39:04 EDT

nycdave posted : They will have an updated label indicating the larger HD capacity.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:27:09 EDT

Libra posted : That's good to know. I'll make sure I question the size of the hard drive. Thank you.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:25:34 EDT

More Fiber posted :

said by nycdave:

Returned 7216's are getting upgraded to 500GB hard drives...

That's going to cause lots and lots of confusion unless there is a sticker on the unit indicating it has been upgraded.

Otherwise, people may end up paying the $40 upgrade fee for nothing.
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:58:21 EDT

nycdave posted : Returned 7216's are getting upgraded to 500GB hard drives...

So even though the installer may have a 7216 doesn't mean it is 160GB.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:14:24 EDT

Libra posted : Thanks More Fiber. I hope that works because my daugter doesn't want to set up one DVR and then have to do it again whenever we get the 7232. If they don't have a 7232 available I'll be canceling this.

I was about to call and tell them this on the phone, but I hope we'll be lucky with the installer having one on the truck.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:53:56 EDT

More Fiber posted : Ask the installer what model DVR he's installing. If he says 7216, ask him if he has a 7232 on his truck. Chances he will have one and will give it to you if you ask.
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:51:09 EDT

Libra posted : I called Verizon today and got a 2 year contract. They're installing this Wednesday. I was told that after installation if I want the higher memory MR DVR I have to order it online for a one-time cost of $20. I would have preferred to just order the installation with that included. I hope the site will be specific to show that I can order the 7232.

In order to get 2 premium channels we're getting the Extreme HD plan which includes 50mbps/25mbps.

When I questioned the model of dvr and actiontek the salesman didn't know what I was talking about.

I hope it all goes well. I appreciate everyone's help.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 15:11:43 EDT

Libra posted : :) I didn't realize the signal from the ONT is analog!

I checked out the basement. There is a strip with 2 available outlets remaining where I think they would put the ONT.

I appreciate your help very much. I think we'll be calling to set this up soon.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 13:31:57 EDT

More Fiber posted :

said by Libra:

My HP printer states that you must use an analog line, that a digital won't work.

What comes out of the ONT is analog (POTS).

What the HP manual is referring to are primarily office phone systems where the connection from the phone to the switch is a proprietary digital or VOIP connection.

said by Libra:

Is there anything I need to know about the Actiontek router (like model, revision number) to be sure what I get is good.

The installer should provide a rev I (the latest) on a new install. It's good to ask just to make sure.

said by Libra:

in the basement where I imagine the ONT, etc. would go there are outlets but none available for this. There is an outlet across the room - would they be able to use that?

Is a power strip an option?
Or a six outlet adapter like this?

To answer your question, yes, VZ can install the battery backup unit (BBU) on the other side of the room and run low voltage wire to the ONT as long as the distance is less than 50 feet.
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 12:57:42 EDT

Libra posted : Thank you everyone. You've convinced me that the digital phone line is good (I imagine that the Fios internet is better that dsl, although I'm happy with our dsl). So if I let them switch to digital on both lines I can't go back to dsl.

It's interesting that you can use the fax over the digital line. My HP printer states that you must use an analog line, that a digital won't work.

Is there anything I need to know about the Actiontek router (like model, revision number) to be sure what I get is good.

If I can't go back to dsl, should I go with the two year contract plan (I saw that online), it seemed to have some benefits.

I pretty much got cross-eyed trying to look at the different TV packages. We currently have DirecTV with almost all premium channels for $144 a month. I noticed that the Extreme offers HBO as part of the triple bundle. We would want another premium and one Encore channel. I'll have to discuss that with a rep when we call to arrange the install.

One other question - in the basement where I imagine the ONT, etc. would go there are outlets but none available for this. There is an outlet across the room - would they be able to use that?

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 07:39:51 EDT

birdfeedr posted :

said by Libra:

As I understand it, the digital line requires a battery backup - which indicates to me that you can lose your phone service and have to rely on the battery backup. I don't care for that. I want a phone line that is reliable and always there.

I have two elderly friends who have been switched to FiOS for their phone service because of too many complaints on poor copper connections. Their service and billing has not been changed, only the way it's delivered. They were concerned about battery backup and service time, so I studied the ONT/BBU.

First, since the fiber network is passive, any outage that is fiber-related will likely affect the copper as well, such as pole down, fiber/wire damaged. The fiber line is kevlar reinforced so it's safe to say copper and fiber are equal in terms of storm durability.

Second, an outage at the CO will similarly be equal between fiber and copper. No power = no signal. We'll assume the backup power in the CO to run the switching equipment does not favor one system over the other because it doesn't make any sense for VZ to do so. In other words, an engineer specifying power requirements will look at the entire CO, not just a subsystem. If the CO goes dark, both copper and fiber go offline.

So, it really boils down to what happens at the home. With a reasonably fresh battery, the BBU will provide almost 8 hours of uninterrupted telephone run time. There is still some battery life remaining which can be used by pressing the Battery Emergency Use button.

said by »FiOS BBU operation [long post] :
Testing a single, fully charged 7AH battery yielded 7.25 hours runtime before LowBattery status went high. Battery voltage at that point was 11.78V. Pressing the Battery Emergency Use button restarted the ONT which yielded an additional 2.75 hours runtime with battery level at 10.94V before the ONT shut down.

Please note that during the test the BBU had been modified to keep TV and data running. As originally configured, those circuits do shut down after 15 minutes of outage, keeping only phone service running, so it's reasonable to expect more than 8 hours of telephone runtime.

Also, there is an external jack which will enable an auxiliary battery to power the ONT. This is not well-documented, and probably not supported by VZ. Techs I've spoken to were not aware of this feature. One tech said he heard about it but had no further knowledge of how it worked. I was able to fabricate an adapter cable to show proof of operation. Although every BBU I've seen has this feature, there is no assurance all BBUs in VZ inventory operate the same way.

Finally, in 30 years of living in potential hurricane territory, I have only had four power outages lasting longer than 8 hours. Maybe I've been more fortunate than others, maybe not. I do know that after I lost a freezer after Hurricane Gloria in 1985, I have since had a generator to provide backup power, and can run an extension cord over to my ONT/BBU to maintain power during an extended outage. Since FiOS was installed in 2006, my phone service has been absolutely reliable.

On another note, we have a fax line we use daily without problem.

Hope this helps.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 22:15:01 EDT

More Fiber posted :

said by Libra:

The fax won't work with a digital line.

Not true. Fax will work just fine over FIOS.

said by Libra:

Is it necessary to have wire maintenance on a digital line, or can digital be fixed without anyone coming to the house?

Wire maintenance plan has nothing to do with whether your line is digital or POTS. Wire maintenance plan covers your inside phone wiring, not the line from the CO.
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 22:00:18 EDT

Jackarino posted : Verizon no longer offers phone service to new/upgrading customers that is always active through a storm w/o a BBU

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 21:43:50 EDT

Libra posted : As I understand it, the digital line requires a battery backup - which indicates to me that you can lose your phone service and have to rely on the battery backup. I don't care for that. I want a phone line that is reliable and always there. How reliable do you find the digital phone? Also, I have a printer which can fax. The fax won't work with a digital line. I don't use it much, but it's nice to know it's available.

Even more important, if for some reason I don't like Fios and they remove my copper I won't be able to go back to dsl - although I have the feeling that if I wanted to do that Verizon might not like it and may not comply.

Regarding billing and everything else, I think it would be better to switch the dsl phone line to Fios BUT I'm thinking of using the other line just so the dsl line would be available since it goes directly to my computer. As you can see I'm a bit confused about all of this.

About the costs, the phone line that is connected to the dsl costs about $75 for both plus taxes and fees. I have a cell phone bill bundled with that phone which runs about $205 a month. I also have the wire maintenance for $7.99 per month.

My other phone line has a freedom essentials plan and for the phone alone (including $7.99 maintenance) the bill is about $67 - that's with a $10 discount.

Is it necessary to have wire maintenance on a digital line, or can digital be fixed without anyone coming to the house?

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 18:07:27 EDT

IanR posted : It is unclear to me why you want to keep one copper line?

FIOS usually installs a "box" in your garage and runs lines to the Actiontec for broadband and also for Television. This same "box" also converts telephone signals which will also use the FIOS lines outside your house and converts to an analog line which will be run to your internal house copper telephone wiring/lines.
Therefore any analog telephone connections you would need for say a security system, or any other device which needs analog signals, can patch into your house analog telephone wiring.

So you would almost certainly have no need to keep an external analog copper connection to your house. This also saves a few bucks and your monthly bill.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 17:10:10 EDT

Libra posted : Oh, thank you. So my phone lines won't matter.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 17:04:25 EDT

Jackarino posted : Fios doesn't use the phone line. They do hook the ONT to your existing phone jacks so you can connect phones. Fios uses MOCA

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 16:31:27 EDT

Libra posted : I would like to know if Verizon FIOS uses the phone line to connect to the Actiontek router or the DVR and/or set top box.

We have two phone lines and the Verizon dsl is on one phone line and our DirecTV is on the other phone line.

Since I'm hoping to keep one copper phone line, I'm wondering if the phone lines are used. (Both phone lines are not in the areas of the tvs and computers).

Thank you.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 13:54:45 EDT

kingdome74 posted : I have to say the first thing I loved about Verizon's approach to their router versus Time Warner's which I was with for 10 years is the fact we can actually secure our routers without interference from Verizon. I like the idea I can go in, change all the security settings, and not get a threatening email. It's most refreshing.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 13:27:40 EDT

Smith6612 posted : You're welcome! :)

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 12:52:13 EDT

Libra posted : Thank you Smith6612 for confirming the Actiontek wireless end is safe if using WPA2 security.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 22:32:38 EDT

Smith6612 posted : The starting address should just change the scope of the DHCP server, not the actual IP address of the ActionTec router.

For safety of the wireless, as long as both are using WPA2 security with a good pass phrase, it is absolutely safe.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 22:02:13 EDT

Libra posted : If I change the starting address to 192.168.1.11, will the address of the Actiontek still be 192.168.1.1?

I checked my notes. The printer's address is 192.168.1.253. If I decide to use my Zyxel, I'll need help because I don't know how to change the addresses of my computers. I think they are 192.168.1.46 and 192.168.1.47 - I don't know the other, but I bet it's right with those numbers.

Is it just as safe to use the wireless of the Actiontek as it would be using the Zyxel?

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:49:00 EDT

More Fiber posted :

said by Libra:

I'm in the New York City area.

Cisco STBs are not currently being deployed in NYC so you'll get Motorola units.

said by Libra:

are there instructions on how to change the DHCP range in the Actiontek?

Nothing posted in the FAQs. Just go to the LAN settings page. You'll see the DHCP range about 2/3 of the way down.
I'd suggest setting the starting address to 192.168.1.11. That gives you .2 through .10 for static devices. You can make it larger if you have more than 9 static devices.

said by Libra:

I also have a printer networked via ethernet cable. I think I gave it the IP 192168.1.154 (I got help with that and I remember it was the last number in that range.) Is that okay. If not, would the techs know what to do about it?

Last number in the range is actually .254. You want to avoid IP addresses in the .15x range. The router assigns that range to the STBs. If you set the starting DHCP address to .11 as suggested, I'd assign the printer a static IP address below .11.

Techs probably won't be familiar with configuring static IP addresses since static IP addresses are always assigned at the specific device.
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:19:57 EDT

Libra posted : Thank you. I'm in the New York City area.

If we do go through with this are there instructions on how to change the DHCP range in the Actiontek? I don't think I did anything regarding that in the Westell 2200 modem. (But I was aware of the numbers of the other computers.)

Is it better to use my own Access Point or is what comes with the Actiontek just as good?

I also have a printer networked via ethernet cable. I think I gave it the IP 192168.1.154 (I got help with that and I remember it was the last number in that range.) Is that okay. If not, would the techs know what to do about it?

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:44:30 EDT

More Fiber posted :

said by Libra:

Can I request that they install only the 7232 DVR?

Depending on the area you're in, you might get Cisco equipment. Cisco DVRs also have 500GB drives and support external 2TB drives. Only downside is the Cisco boxes get their software updates after the Motorola boxes. More information here:
»Verizon Online FiOS FAQ »What are the STB & DVR models?

said by Libra:

I now have a Western Digital that I use for backups. Could I get one of those and use the usb cord to connect it?

External drives must be eStata. USB drives are not supported. Also, you want to make sure the drive is an AV rated drive, not a "green" drive that spins down.

said by Libra:

Can I have them turn off the wireless and just put my Zxyel Access Point into the Fios router with a CAT5?

The FIOS tech probably won't connect the WAP for you. You're on your own to connect it, but it's easy to disable the Actiontec wireless and connect your own WAP.

said by Libra:

It has a IP number of 192.168.1.2. Would that work?

Yes, that will work.

You'll want to change the default DHCP range in the Actiontec (which starts at 192.168.1.2) so that the Actiontec doesn't assign 192.168.1.2 to some device.
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:03:47 EDT

Libra posted : I appreciate everyone's information. I have more questions:

Can I request that they install only the 7232 DVR? If I want to attach the external hard drive, can it be a Western Digital? I now have a Western Digital that I use for backups. Could I get one of those and use the usb cord to connect it? (I don't want anything with any software on it).

As far as the phones go, they are both in the same name. I have someone disabled at home and I want/need a copper phone in case of an emergency. I don't want to have any battery backup for the phone - so if they don't agree to that I won't switch to the fios.

About the wireless. I was reading something here. Can I have them turn off the wireless and just put my Zxyel Access Point into the Fios router with a CAT5? It's already set up, so it would be great if I can just connect it. It has a IP number of 192.168.1.2. Would that work?

We'll have to see what packages they offer us. We will want one DVR and 3 set top boxes. Locally they are advertising a plan for $99 per month (no contract, I think) and free DVR and set top box for 6 months.

Thanks again everyone.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:41:40 EDT

stevek1949 posted : I would call to move from Verizon DSL to FIOS. They will keep what you have, including your Verizon email if you use it.

I currently have 35/35 for bandwidth and digital voice using the Ultimate HD tier. If you are satisfied with the DSL speeds, you will be more than satisfied with the basic FIOS speeds. There may be other incentives that you can take advantage of. All of the STBs (with the exception of the DC700) are HD now. The package you take will dictate the standard bandwidth.

If you keep the two phone lines, you can add a different ring tone for each. Just be sure of the package you take, as if you take the contract option, you are locked in for the contract period.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:21:27 EDT

kingdome74 posted : Just be real careful before you make the leap to FiOS because new rate hikes and raised equipment charges have changed pricing by no small amount.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 09:48:07 EDT

norbert26 posted : If the two copper lines are in the SAME name they will most likely both be moved to the fiber. However IF they are in two different names one of the lines _may_ remain on copper for now . In this case you could move the NON dsl line to fiber and _maybe_ retain the other DSL with POTS line for now. YMMV as Verizon is trying to dump POTS and move all copper customers to fiber in FiOS markets. At some point there will be a mandate .

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 08:25:05 EDT

lijacobs posted :

said by Libra:

Also, we have two phone lines in our house. Would it matter if we used the phone line which now has dsl or could we use the other phone line (which I would prefer).

VZ will switch both of your phone lines onto the equipment that they will install (ONT).

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 08:18:37 EDT

More Fiber posted :

said by Libra:

When they install the Fios, is the Firewall automatically turned on?

Yes.

said by Libra:

I want to be sure the wireless end has WPA2, also.

Yes.

said by Libra:

how many hours can be recorded on the DVR

DVR size is 500GB with the ability to add a 2TB external drive.

It is hard to express that capacity in hours, since that depends on whether you are recording SD or HD and the bit rate of the channel being recorded.

The following FAQ shows recording times for various DVRs. It does not consider external drives. If you add an external 2TB driver you can multiple the times in the FAQ for the 7232 by 5.
»Verizon Online FiOS FAQ »What are the recording capacities of the DVRs?

said by Libra:

I had read a while ago that the set-top boxes don't have a guide.

Only the DCT-700 Digital Adapter does not have a guide.
All STBs and DVRs have a guide.
--
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 03:02:32 EDT

Libra posted : Thank you Jackarino. I appreciate your advice.

I have a few more questions if you don't mind. When they install the Fios, is the Firewall automatically turned on? I know with dsl it was off. I want to be sure the wireless end has WPA2, also.

Re the TV - would you know how many hours can be recorded on the DVR - I think I read they had newer dvrs that could hold more. (We currently can record 100 hours regular shows on DirecTV.) Also, I think I had read a while ago that the set-top boxes don't have a guide. I hope that changed because I think it would be difficult to finds shows without one.

Sincerely, Libra

Re: Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:00:16 EDT

Jackarino posted : I would move off DSL as VZ wants to discontinue DSL eventually. I had Directv and liked it for the most part, but I like Fios TV better because of the picture.

Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 20:22:57 EDT

Libra posted : We're thinking of switching from DirecTV to Verizon Fios Triple Play. I got the impression in the Fios TV forum that the Fios TV may not be so good anymore.

I'd like to know if it's still a good deal and if the service is good. If so, is there's anything we should look for regarding the installation. The ads I've seen lately are for 15/5 MBT. We currently have Verizon dsl which I've been happy with.

Also, we have two phone lines in our house. Would it matter if we used the phone line which now has dsl or could we use the other phone line (which I would prefer).

Thanks for any advice.

Sincerely, Libra