sooze
join:2006-04-30
Lake Elsinore, CA
| Hate the FIOS STB, my new Tivo arrived, now what?
I thought I'd start a new topic, hopefully it can be more easily located when users are searching. I'll post back on this thread as the installation progress, any glitches, etc. so those who are thinking of switching from their STB to TiVo will be able to follow along.
Recap: I hate that Verizon will not allow external storage capability (ie. external hard drive) so I'm replacing the FIOS STB with a TiVo HD. An external eSATA hard drive can be added to a TiVo to increase storage capability which is really needed when recording in high def.
So I ordered my new TiVo just about a week ago and paid for a year's subscription upfront. It arrived yesterday. I know I now have to call Verizon and order (hopefully one M-card) cable cards.
In a previous thread, it was suggested that I plug in my TiVo "to the TV/internet" and let it do it's updates, etc. well before the installer arrives with my cable cards. Can somebody give step by step instructions on exactly what that means?
Thanks in advance,
Sue |
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bgtimber75
join:2006-06-23
Columbia, MD | Attach ethernet cord or wireless adapter (or phone cord if you'r going old school) and hook it up to your TV. Plug in and follow instructions on the screen. It's fairly straight forward |
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KenAF
join:2006-01-23
Arlington, VA
1 edit | reply to sooze
If you have an ethernet connection near your TiVo, you can plug that directly into the TiVo. If you don't have an ethernet connection near your TiVo, and didn't purchase the TiVo wireless adapter, then you can use your phone line. Then just power-up the TiVo and follow the on-screen setup instructions on your TV. You'll enter your zip code and select Verizon FiOS, with the option to "install CableCards later."
It's unfortunate you didn't see my link for the TiVo "Father's day" promotion. It sounds like you paid full price with a one-year subscription at TiVo.com. That would've cost you $299+$129=$428. You could've taken advantage of the promotion to get a TivoHD with lifetime -- no future fees ever -- for $499. |
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hobbs
@verizon.net | reply to sooze
»www.tivo.com/assets/flash/suppor···_dvr.swf |
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sooze
join:2006-04-30
Lake Elsinore, CA
| reply to KenAF
said by KenAF  :If you have an ethernet connection near your TiVo, you can plug that directly into the TiVo. If you don't have an ethernet connection near your TiVo, and didn't purchase the TiVo wireless adapter, then you can use your phone line. Then just power-up the TiVo and follow the on-screen setup instructions on your TV. You'll enter your zip code and select Verizon FiOS, with the option to "install CableCards later." It's unfortunate you didn't see my link for the TiVo "Father's day" promotion. It sounds like you paid full price with a one-year subscription at TiVo.com. That would've cost you $299+$129=$428. You could've taken advantage of the promotion to get a TivoHD with lifetime -- no future fees ever -- for $499. My daughter sent me an email with the info about that special. No worries, I am a former TiVo user (with DirecTv) so they did give me a pretty good deal, I didn't pay full price. I wasn't sure I wanted to pay for a "lifetime" subscription because it was my understanding that that goes with the the TiVo unit and my DH and I have a habit of upgrading our stuff fairly often...
Now I just need a great deal on the external hard drive! |
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sooze
join:2006-04-30
Lake Elsinore, CA
| reply to bgtimber75
said by bgtimber75 :Attach ethernet cord or wireless adapter (or phone cord if you'r going old school) and hook it up to your TV. Plug in and follow instructions on the screen. It's fairly straight forward Thanks so much!
Sue |
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sooze
join:2006-04-30
Lake Elsinore, CA | reply to hobbs
Very cool, thanks! |
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magilladke
join:2005-12-07
Collegeville, PA
| reply to sooze
I purchased a TivoHD earlier in the year. I recently called and went w/a cable card.
My recipe for success was calling and asking for one cable card to be sent for self install. They said "no problem" ... I know, it's not possible.
A couple days later the Verizon guy showed up, I said "it was supposed to be a self install" he said okay and did the install anyhow. I was never charged a truck roll fee of $80.
I know there is a lot of discussion on the topic, but wanted to share - hopefully it helps someone else. |
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aaronwt
Premium
join:2004-11-07
Woodbridge, VA
 ·Verizon FIOS
1 edit | reply to sooze
Re: Hate the FIOS STB, my new TiVo arrived, now what?
I wish they had self install, it would make things so much easier. Since FIOS doesn't pair the cards to the unit, all they would need to do is activate the cards before they mail them out. Once you stick them in the TiVo they will start working in a few minutes. I picked up two more TiVoHD units with the Fathers Day special.
I currently have eight cable cards with FIOS. I just took to of those cards from my other TiVos and stuck one in each of my TiVoHD boxes. The channels came up in a few minutes during the setup process. No need to call and enter in any info.
They certainly waste time and money by requiring a truck roll since there is really nothing to the install, although the FIOS tech might have problems. |
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Collegeville PA
@verizon.net
| reply to sooze
Re: Hate the FIOS STB, my new Tivo arrived, now what?
The Tivo web site actually has easy to follow, printable instructions for you and the installer. They include instructions on letting Tivo call home and update before the service folks arrive.
My first set of FIOS installers fairly demonstratively tossed aside the instructions I politely suggested they might want to read. They then wasted 6 hours of their time and mine AND fried the 2 cable cards! I finally asked them to leave.
When the backup responsible adult arrived the next day, I pressed him to read the instructions, which he did. The set was up and running with new cards in 90 minutes.
Everything you and the installers need is on the TIVO site. |
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sooze
join:2006-04-30
Lake Elsinore, CA
1 edit | reply to magilladke
Oy vey! I wish I could say my experience was like yours...
I just got off the phone with "Ashley" who agreed to send one cable card with a "one-time" truck roll fee of $79.00. She even offered the information that they split the fee into 3 monthly parts on your bills. When I told her that I didn't think there was a fee any longer, that this info was all over the internet, she responded, "Well, why didn't you order them over the internet?" in quite a snotty voice.
Because I was basically at her mercy, I agreed to the truck roll.
I asked her if you could order the cable cards over the internet, "I have no idea" was her answer. "Then why did you ask why I didn't order them over the internet earlier?"
She then told me she wouldn't tolerate "name calling" and would end the call. "What name did I call you?" I asked, sorta perturbed by now. She said, "You didn't call me by name, which is Ashley, I consider that name calling!" Huh??? I asked her about her snotty attitude and why that okay and she threatened to hang up on me again.
I told her, "Okay then, I guess you're in charge." She scheduled the date (July 1) and gave me the order number. I said, "Thank you very much ASHLEY" and hung up.
I fricken' hate Verizon customer service!!! Dare to suggest that something they're saying isn't correct (and I was nice about it) and they get snotty.
Before anyone tries to tell me that I started it, you weren't here, you don't know. I know that being nice will always get you better service than being aggresive. Her "Why didn't you order them over the internet?" (which she didn't even know if you could do!) started it.
When I called to order my TiVo, the guy on the phone was amazing! He knew all about his own product and more about FIOS than the FIOS customer service reps! It was actually a pleasure to talk to him.
I'll let you know how everything goes. And I'll definitely be disputing any charge they put on my account.
Sue
Edit to add: Since Verizon doesn't pair the cards with the TiVo unit, I'm beginning to think I should call back and have another card brought and have it activated as well. I DO plan on getting a TiVo for my bedroom eventually, maybe I should do it sooner rather than later... Wonder if they'd do it?
said by magilladke :I purchased a TivoHD earlier in the year. I recently called and went w/a cable card. My recipe for success was calling and asking for one cable card to be sent for self install. They said "no problem" ... I know, it's not possible. A couple days later the Verizon guy showed up, I said "it was supposed to be a self install" he said okay and did the install anyhow. I was never charged a truck roll fee of $80. I know there is a lot of discussion on the topic, but wanted to share - hopefully it helps someone else. |
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sooze
join:2006-04-30
Lake Elsinore, CA
| reply to Collegeville PA
I checked that out earlier, great info. I plan on getting all the updates done and having the TiVo ready to when the installer arrives. The installer who came and installed my original three STB boxes was amazing, I hope I get another person like that.
said by Collegeville PA :
The Tivo web site actually has easy to follow, printable instructions for you and the installer. They include instructions on letting Tivo call home and update before the service folks arrive.
My first set of FIOS installers fairly demonstratively tossed aside the instructions I politely suggested they might want to read. They then wasted 6 hours of their time and mine AND fried the 2 cable cards! I finally asked them to leave.
When the backup responsible adult arrived the next day, I pressed him to read the instructions, which he did. The set was up and running with new cards in 90 minutes.
Everything you and the installers need is on the TIVO site.
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almahix
Allegro ma non troppo
join:1999-10-18
Camarillo, CA
·Verizon FIOS
| reply to sooze
Verizon ordering is quite frustrating, isn't it. But in the end you are so going to love that TiVo and you'll regret that you waited so long to get it. Once the cable card is installed (piece of cake btw) you'll be amazed how seamlessly Tivo and Fios work together.
You're gonna be hooked on Tivo. They should have meetings...
Hi, I'm Sooze and I'm a Tivo-holic.
Hi, Sooze.
(No disrespect to real recovery programs intended) |
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sooze
join:2006-04-30
Lake Elsinore, CA
| said by almahix :Verizon ordering is quite frustrating, isn't it. But in the end you are so going to love that TiVo and you'll regret that you waited so long to get it. Once the cable card is installed (piece of cake btw) you'll be amazed how seamlessly Tivo and Fios work together. You're gonna be hooked on Tivo. They should have meetings... Hi, I'm Sooze and I'm a Tivo-holic. Hi, Sooze. (No disrespect to real recovery programs intended) Frustrating doesn't even begin to describe my feelings! I'm so irritated that I'm now going to have to pay $79 to get the darn cable cards installed! I have another STB that I also want to replace with a TiVo unit and I'm guessing I'm going to have to pay yet another $79 when I order cable cards for that TiVo!
I've had TiVo before with DirecTV. We started out with only one TiVo unit but soon had to have another one for our bedroom. We bought a TiVo from Best Buy and I activated my own darn card in that TiVo!
And yes, I DID love TiVo! I put off switching over to FIOS for quite some time because I loved TiVo so much. If you could talk to any of my friends, you'd know that I totally agree about being a TiVo-aholic! I think they got tired of hearing me rave about my TiVo. I'm SO happy to be going back.
Thanks for your encouragement, after my phone call to Verizon today, I really needed it. |
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celticpride
@verizon.net
| reply to sooze
I dont have fios tv but i have everything else with verizon,if i decide to get fios tv and get a hd tivo will they charge me the the$79.00 truck rollout fee? i thought i read somewhere that they only charge you the rollout fee,if you already have fios tv? |
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emk
@verizon.net
| reply to sooze
If you buy a Tivo, then call them telling them you are turning in a DVR box, and you want thm to bring a cable card, will they charge the rollout fee?
If not, I'll try the "my TV picture sux, come look at it and bring a CC with you BTW" thing some people claim to have done successfully. |
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bemis
join:2008-07-18
Stoneham, MA
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
·Verizon FIOS
 ·Comcast
·RCN CABLE
| said by emk :
If you buy a Tivo, then call them telling them you are turning in a DVR box, and you want thm to bring a cable card, will they charge the rollout fee?
I exchanged a STB recently and they did it all by UPS, I received a new box w/ a return label for the old one... no truck roll.
I had no idea it was $80 to have a cable card installed, that seems completely asinine...
...if they can send me an activated STB, or provide a method for online activation, then they ought to do the same for CC's. |
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Scyber
join:2001-12-28
Trenton, NJ
| reply to celticpride
said by celticpride :
I dont have fios tv but i have everything else with verizon,if i decide to get fios tv and get a hd tivo will they charge me the the$79.00 truck rollout fee? i thought i read somewhere that they only charge you the rollout fee,if you already have fios tv?
If you are getting a new TV install then they shouldn't charge you the $80 fee. There may be an install fee for up to 3 TVs ($20, i think), but they usually waive that fee if you ask. |
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Vamp9190
join:2002-02-11
Chantilly, VA
| reply to sooze
said by sooze :Frustrating doesn't even begin to describe my feelings! I'm so irritated that I'm now going to have to pay $79 to get the darn cable cards installed! I have another STB that I also want to replace with a TiVo unit and I'm guessing I'm going to have to pay yet another $79 when I order cable cards for that TiVo! In theory, yes, it is another $79.
If you are planning to buy the second Tivo soon (next few weeks) you can just wait if possible & then order 2 cable cards, so the tech will install both at the same time & you will only pay 1 truck roll fee. Simply decide if waiting with a Tivo sitting there not hooked up is worth saving the fee. |
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sooze
join:2006-04-30
Lake Elsinore, CA
| said by Vamp9190 :said by sooze :Frustrating doesn't even begin to describe my feelings! I'm so irritated that I'm now going to have to pay $79 to get the darn cable cards installed! I have another STB that I also want to replace with a TiVo unit and I'm guessing I'm going to have to pay yet another $79 when I order cable cards for that TiVo! In theory, yes, it is another $79. If you are planning to buy the second Tivo soon (next few weeks) you can just wait if possible & then order 2 cable cards, so the tech will install both at the same time & you will only pay 1 truck roll fee. Simply decide if waiting with a Tivo sitting there not hooked up is worth saving the fee. After my frustrating experience with the Verizon customer service rep trying to get the first cable card ordered, I decided to cancel and just get a second TiVo, then have the cable cards (2) brought at the same time. I've ordered the TiVo, and I'm waiting for it to arrive, then I'll call back and reschedule a cable card install for BOTH of my new TiVos at the same time.
I'll let you all know how it goes...
Wish me luck!
Sue |
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