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Novagirl
@verizon.net
| How can I get FIOS cheaply? (e.g., STB configurations)
Hi all,
I'm thinking of switching to FIOS TV and probably internet as well and want to create a set up that is as inexpensive as possible. I would appreciate your advice on this, particularly in terms of set top boxes (STBs) and DVRs since they add so much onto the basic rate.
Current set up: Comcast preferred analog cable, no DVRs, no STBs because my three tvs are cable-ready and PPV/On Demand isn't important to me. My Tvs are in the living room and in two separate bedrooms. I also have Verizon home phone and DSL on their lowest speed tier. I currently pay about $118 total including taxes for home phone, DSL and cable.
Goal: I want to switch to 1) FIOS Internet (their slowest tier is fine) and 2) FIOS TV (basic/preferred -- no premium channels). I would be interested in one DVR, perhaps one that can send recorded programs to all tvs. I don't think I will get any HD programming... I am not planning to get a HDTV for at least a year, and probably will wait beyond that if I can still get programming on my current tvs after the Jan 09 conversation -- it just isn't a big priority for me. Bottom line: I want to get FIOS TV/Internet and stay as close to my current $118 figure as possible, e.g., no major price hike.
Questions:
What would you recommend in terms of STBs that would minimize price? I was thinking about a multi-room DVR in the living room (or maybe just a standard DVR). I assume if the living room tv has a DVR, I still need to rent a STB for it as well? What would you recommend in terms of boxes for the two bedroom tvs?
If I change my mind and change my set-up after I initially sign up (e.g., add another STB because we get a 4th tv, or add the NFL channel for my football-obsessed roommate), will Verizon extend my contract like they do on cell phone contracts? Are there other penalties to making changes to your set up?
And if any of you are familiar with the FIOS internet, I assume it is no problem to wirelessly connect three laptops? We are a household of three roommates.
I am just looking to minimize costs as much as possible and create a relatively simple set up with our current tvs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Novagirl
PS - I live in Arlington County, VA. If any of you can tell me what you are paying with taxes that would be great. | |
jcpsu86
join:2007-10-24
Glenshaw, PA
| a lot of it will depend on whether you want full guide info or not. They have a basic $3.99 digital adapter that is the size of a portable cd player. I have one in a computer room for a small tv, but I would not recommend it for a room where you watch a lot of tv, as it has no guide/VOD/PPV.
If you want the multi room DVR, which runs about $19.99, I believe, you will need at minimum a regular Motorola STB for $4.99 for each additional tv that you want to view DVR programs on.
Unlike Comcast, the NFL channel, and just about every other channel (other than movie packages, some niche sports channels, and some internationals) are part of the FIOS premier package. No tiers like Comcast, where they can move channels and charge you more if you want to keep them. Your sports-obsessed roommate will appreciate that ESPNU, ESPN Classic, and ESPN News are all part of the Premier package, along with NFL and your regional sports nets.
This link should help you. »www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv···ices.htm
Look at the channel lineups and the add-on tab.
You should be able to get a triple play bundle for $99 plus the cost of your STB's locked in for two years with a contract. You would be looking at approximately $114 plus taxes with regular STB's or about $129 plus taxes with the multi room DVR and two regular STB's.
Hope this helps. I made the switch from Comcast about three months ago, and couldn't be happier. | |
Novagirl
@verizon.net
| Jcpsu86,
Thanks so much for your comments... as you can tell, I am new at this so the info is really helpful. I appreciated the info on the digital adapter particularly, and my roommate will be thrilled with the NFL channel -- she is nutty about football.
Thanks!
Novagirl | |
KoolMoe
Aw Man
Premium
join:2001-02-14
Annapolis, MD
clubs:
 ·Verizon FIOS
 ·Speakeasy
| I've recently done the triple play for $99. With two TVs, one with the HD STB and one with the SD STB, no movie channels, lowest-tier internet (which is same speed as my previous higher-tier DSL, if not a bit faster), and standard phone package, our first bill was $160.
$10 of that was an incorrect fee they said they'd take off last month, but did not.
Another $20 ought to be discounted as part of either the $99 pricing or an install rebate, I forget which. Install costs about $60, I think, and the CR said they rebate it over three months, or somesuch silliness.
SO, our bill should be $130/month, which is about what I figured our bill will be when signing up with the CR in late November. $99 + STB rentals + taxes
I hope you can get a better deal for what you want to do!
KM | |
proletarian
join:2007-01-08
00000
| reply to Novagirl
a standard definition multirooom dvr is 17.99, $2 more for the hd dvr.
not only do digital adapters not support guide or vod, but they don't support the multi room dvr feature either.
cheapest fios internet 40, fios premier 43, 1 sd mrdvr 18, plus two standard set tops 10, and phone (20-40).
yes, you'll spend more, but you'll get a hell of lot more too. | |
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