**D* versus FIOS TV - Big Decision.**

U96 · 02-13-2006, 12:25 PM

Currently I have D* but FIOS TV just became available in my area. Just looking for insight on what might be the best option for my situation.

Right now I have a 50 inch Phillips Plasma HDTV with a HD250 Tivo DVR using a 3 LNB dish. I also have 2 other stand TVs with standard D* Tivo DVRs. Because of the equipment that I just got and my location (Nothern VA), I can't get local HD channels thru D*. I don't have an OTA but have a install scheduled this week (might be delayed due to snow though) which will run me about $250-300. Installing it myself is not an option (trust me). I have tried an indoor OTA and was able to get a few local HD channels but only occasionly so I had to return it but they looked great when I was able to get a strong enough signal.

I had FIOS internet installed on Friday and found out that FIOS TV is now available in my area. So my question is what would be the best option given my situation?

Here some pros and cons and questions with D* versus FIOS given my situation:

I wouldn't have to wait of the replacement for the HR10/250 and my 3 LNB or get a OTA to get local channels if I went with FIOS.

FIOS seems like it might be a little cheaper each month in the price comparison I did (at least for the next year) for the channels I want.

As of right now, both D* and FIOS have similar number and quality of national HD programming (ESPN, ESPN 2, TNT, etc.) as well as SD channels. Which has a better outlook for adding additional HD channels in my lifetime - D* (with MPEG4) or FIOS? Is FIOS going to be bandwidth challenged like D* is now?

If I went with FIOS, I would have to sell/trash some of the equipment I just bought if I went with FIOS plus see if I have to deal with 2 year commitment issue.

FIOS does not have the NFL package (wife is a big Giants fan).

With my current setup, the PQ on SD channels with the HR10/250 is really blurry. Will the picure quality for SD channels be better with the replacement for the HR10/250 have better PQ or is it just that on HD widescreen TVs it will always looks blurry? Does FIOS TV have the same issues with lacking SD picture quality?

FIOS should not be effected when it rains and snows like D*.

FIOS has some additional HD local channels that D* is not currently carrying with MPEG4 and the 5 LNB.

As you can see I am really torn and see that this is a big decision. Any input would be appriciated.

DCreg · 02-13-2006, 12:52 PM

I live in Fairfax, you *can* get HD Local Channels through DTV. I get them. But you need a 5-LNG/prong (sp?) dish and an HD receiver. If you go with this make sure DTV installs their OTA for good measure. The current DTV DVR won't record them in HD though.

Let us know what you decide. Verizon installed FIOS by me too and would consider a switch. Good luck.

bgoalie35 · 02-13-2006, 01:28 PM

Actually, the current DTV DVR would record OTA HD channels. The only thing it won't get are the MPEG4 channels that you're pulling off the 5 LNB dish (ABC,NBC,Fox,CBS). If you get those via OTA though, its not an issue.

gtken23 · 02-13-2006, 10:35 PM

verizon fios is offering 20 HD channels over 225 channels all totaled for 55 bucks....

orod75 · 02-14-2006, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by U96

Currently I have D* but FIOS TV just became available in my area. Just looking for insight on what might be the best option for my situation.

Right now I have a 50 inch Phillips Plasma HDTV with a HD250 Tivo DVR using a 3 LNB dish. I also have 2 other stand TVs with standard D* Tivo DVRs. Because of the equipment that I just got and my location (Nothern VA), I can't get local HD channels thru D*. I don't have an OTA but have a install scheduled this week (might be delayed due to snow though) which will run me about $250-300. Installing it myself is not an option (trust me). I have tried an indoor OTA and was able to get a few local HD channels but only occasionly so I had to return it but they looked great when I was able to get a strong enough signal.

I had FIOS internet installed on Friday and found out that FIOS TV is now available in my area. So my question is what would be the best option given my situation?

Here some pros and cons and questions with D* versus FIOS given my situation:

I wouldn't have to wait of the replacement for the HR10/250 and my 3 LNB or get a OTA to get local channels if I went with FIOS.

FIOS seems like it might be a little cheaper each month in the price comparison I did (at least for the next year) for the channels I want.

As of right now, both D* and FIOS have similar number and quality of national HD programming (ESPN, ESPN 2, TNT, etc.) as well as SD channels. Which has a better outlook for adding additional HD channels in my lifetime - D* (with MPEG4) or FIOS? Is FIOS going to be bandwidth challenged like D* is now?

If I went with FIOS, I would have to sell/trash some of the equipment I just bought if I went with FIOS plus see if I have to deal with 2 year commitment issue.

FIOS does not have the NFL package (wife is a big Giants fan).

With my current setup, the PQ on SD channels with the HR10/250 is really blurry. Will the picure quality for SD channels be better with the replacement for the HR10/250 have better PQ or is it just that on HD widescreen TVs it will always looks blurry? Does FIOS TV have the same issues with lacking SD picture quality?

FIOS should not be effected when it rains and snows like D*.

FIOS has some additional HD local channels that D* is not currently carrying with MPEG4 and the 5 LNB.

As you can see I am really torn and see that this is a big decision. Any input would be appriciated.

FIOS all the way!!! Fios is the future they won't have a bandwith problem

Moonyworld · 02-14-2006, 07:24 AM

U96,

I live in Northern Va., and I just upgraded to Verizon Fios from DSL. The TV service is not available yet. I get my locals in HD with the 5 lnb dish and H20 receiver. I also still get channel 88 which is Fox from NY. If I still get this channel next football season, I will be able to get most Giant games without the football package. Even though I am under contract with D*, I am still curious about Fios TV. I would break my contract based on more HD options for Fios. I have had my share of problems since I've upgraded to get the locals in HD. I would go with Fios and go to Glory Days to watch the other Giants games. I am a Giants fan too, and that enters in my decision. I also think about the rest of the week during football season as well as the rest of the year. Good luck!

RemoteMan · 02-14-2006, 08:04 AM

I currently have D** and Fios is not available yet in my area, but once it is there will be no decision to make. A fifteen meg internet pipe and 20 HD Channels all for less money. Where is the decision in that.

gtken23 · 02-14-2006, 08:09 AM

I work for verizon in the boston area, while fios tv is still only available in 1 town here and 1 in VA and 2 in texas. once it is rolled out more cable and D* won't be able to touch it. I had d* for 5 years till trees forced my hand to cable...and I sell dtv for verizon. no one is gonna come close to over 200 channels with 20 in HD for 55 bucks a month...and that includes all the movie channels except for hbo/ cinemax.

Rainor · 02-14-2006, 09:50 AM

Verizon's FiOS service will probably be the poorest quality overall because they have not been in the video broadcast world.

They are a carrier. Perhaps after 4 years if they actually don't fail at executing - you may have a good service.

DirecTV knows how to broadcast - so I'd find it hard to believe the overall customer experience of Verison's offering could compete with established players (in the early years).

Also - per cost... Verizon can charge lower introductionary fees - but they have to wire-up every customer which is expensive.

HDSteeler · 02-14-2006, 11:31 AM

Dtv knows how to broadcast??? And verizon dosent???? A very week explanation of picture quality 101 I'd say...Its simple, better connections,more bandwith, better pic. quality. I have been with Dtv for 7+years. NFl pack,all channels,HR10250,etc...I also live in Nortern Va. just cancelled Dtv Cause FIOS TV is being installed on the 23rd. Internet speed is a consistant 15meg down 1.8 meg up for almost 3 weaks now.....Somebody down her loves me!

U96 · 02-14-2006, 11:37 AM

I appriciate all of the input so far.

As far as the HD channels currently available with FIOS for me living in Fairfax county, they would be 8 local HD channels, 9 national HD channels (they only one that FIOS has that D* does not have is Wealth TV which I never heard of), 5 premium HD movie channels (which I would have to pay extra).

So if I were to get an OTA, which generally provides great PQ (non-compressed) given you get a good signal and it is setup right, then FIOS currently only has one additional national HD channel. Although the OTA would look bad on the roof of my house, I will be able to get the local channels for free as long as I wanted. I could hold off of upgrading my HR10/250 until they D* starts offering non-local HD content using MPEG4.

Also currently I have 3 Tivo VCRs that I payed for and if I went with FIOS, I would have to rent the DVRs for $12.95 a piece or an extra $38.85 a month. Not that I have to have 3 DVRs but it would be a step backward plus I like the fact that they are TIVO DVRs which has a lot of nice features compared to some of the other DVRs out there. I can also TIVO HD programs that I would get thru my OTA.

I am also a little concerned that FIOS prices might rise in the future after this first year and I would be left with little alternative.

I guess my main conerns are:
Will service will be adding decent HD channels faster?
Since so much programming is still SD (I can only watch so much Knight Rider in HD and have seen Free Jack like 20 times), which would give a better SD PQ?
Which service would provide better PQ in HD?

Moonyworld · 02-14-2006, 11:39 AM

HDSteeler,

Where in Northern Va. are you? I am in Centreville and I got Fios about a month or so ago but no TV service yet. Are you saying Fios TV will be available by the end of the month? If so, I'll be jumping ship too! I can't wait. I'm looking forward to more HD channels!

U96 · 02-14-2006, 11:43 AM

HDSteeler,

Is Verizon going to charge you for installation?

HDSteeler · 02-14-2006, 03:53 PM

I'm in the herndon area (Franklin Farms). Up to 3 locations installed for free. 19.95 for each additional. I to have spent (wasted) alot of money on recievers and such with Dtv. Do you realy think thats going to change in the future? NOT! IMHO Dtv has been over charging for years and will continue to do so. Bottom line, if i'm going to pay I want the best! Not some overly compressed signal thats not capable of giving me what I'm paying for. I'm getting 4 recievers 2 hd/dvr's. All the sports channels, All the movie channels, all the HD channels, all the locals (In HD) for 98.65 a month! Check out this link, Verizon gives you more, more, and more!!!http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Channels/FiosTV/channel.aspx

rlstjohn · 08-09-2006, 03:29 PM

I wanted to chime in on this since FIOS TV will soon be in my area. I'm currently a D* subscriber and have been for about 10 years. I was seriously considering changing to FIOS TV when it's available, but now I am not sure due to one thing---hockey. FIOS TV doesn't offer a Center Ice package nor do I see OLN on any of the channel line-ups. So...if you are a hockey fan, I don't think you will see too much on FIOS TV.

02-13-2006, 12:25 PM	#1
U96 What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4	*D versus FIOS TV - Big Decision.** Currently I have D* but FIOS TV just became available in my area. Just looking for insight on what might be the best option for my situation. Right now I have a 50 inch Phillips Plasma HDTV with a HD250 Tivo DVR using a 3 LNB dish. I also have 2 other stand TVs with standard D* Tivo DVRs. Because of the equipment that I just got and my location (Nothern VA), I can't get local HD channels thru D. I don't have an OTA but have a install scheduled this week (might be delayed due to snow though) which will run me about $250-300. Installing it myself is not an option (trust me). I have tried an indoor OTA and was able to get a few local HD channels but only occasionly so I had to return it but they looked great when I was able to get a strong enough signal. I had FIOS internet installed on Friday and found out that FIOS TV is now available in my area. So my question is what would be the best option given my situation? Here some pros and cons and questions with D versus FIOS given my situation: I wouldn't have to wait of the replacement for the HR10/250 and my 3 LNB or get a OTA to get local channels if I went with FIOS. FIOS seems like it might be a little cheaper each month in the price comparison I did (at least for the next year) for the channels I want. As of right now, both D* and FIOS have similar number and quality of national HD programming (ESPN, ESPN 2, TNT, etc.) as well as SD channels. Which has a better outlook for adding additional HD channels in my lifetime - D* (with MPEG4) or FIOS? Is FIOS going to be bandwidth challenged like D* is now? If I went with FIOS, I would have to sell/trash some of the equipment I just bought if I went with FIOS plus see if I have to deal with 2 year commitment issue. FIOS does not have the NFL package (wife is a big Giants fan). With my current setup, the PQ on SD channels with the HR10/250 is really blurry. Will the picure quality for SD channels be better with the replacement for the HR10/250 have better PQ or is it just that on HD widescreen TVs it will always looks blurry? Does FIOS TV have the same issues with lacking SD picture quality? FIOS should not be effected when it rains and snows like D. FIOS has some additional HD local channels that D is not currently carrying with MPEG4 and the 5 LNB. As you can see I am really torn and see that this is a big decision. Any input would be appriciated.

02-13-2006, 12:52 PM	#2
DCreg My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NOVA/WDC Posts: 8	I live in Fairfax, you can get HD Local Channels through DTV. I get them. But you need a 5-LNG/prong (sp?) dish and an HD receiver. If you go with this make sure DTV installs their OTA for good measure. The current DTV DVR won't record them in HD though. Let us know what you decide. Verizon installed FIOS by me too and would consider a switch. Good luck. __________________ Club Touareg

02-14-2006, 11:31 AM	#10
HDSteeler My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 5	What??? Dtv knows how to broadcast??? And verizon dosent???? A very week explanation of picture quality 101 I'd say...Its simple, better connections,more bandwith, better pic. quality. I have been with Dtv for 7+years. NFl pack,all channels,HR10250,etc...I also live in Nortern Va. just cancelled Dtv Cause FIOS TV is being installed on the 23rd. Internet speed is a consistant 15meg down 1.8 meg up for almost 3 weaks now.....Somebody down her loves me!

02-13-2006, 01:28 PM	#3
bgoalie35 ATL HD viewer Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 283	Actually, the current DTV DVR would record OTA HD channels. The only thing it won't get are the MPEG4 channels that you're pulling off the 5 LNB dish (ABC,NBC,Fox,CBS). If you get those via OTA though, its not an issue.

02-13-2006, 10:35 PM	#4
gtken23 DLP is great Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Boston Age: 42 Posts: 144	verizon fios is offering 20 HD channels over 225 channels all totaled for 55 bucks....

02-14-2006, 07:24 AM	#6
Moonyworld Rush fan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 22	U96, I live in Northern Va., and I just upgraded to Verizon Fios from DSL. The TV service is not available yet. I get my locals in HD with the 5 lnb dish and H20 receiver. I also still get channel 88 which is Fox from NY. If I still get this channel next football season, I will be able to get most Giant games without the football package. Even though I am under contract with D*, I am still curious about Fios TV. I would break my contract based on more HD options for Fios. I have had my share of problems since I've upgraded to get the locals in HD. I would go with Fios and go to Glory Days to watch the other Giants games. I am a Giants fan too, and that enters in my decision. I also think about the rest of the week during football season as well as the rest of the year. Good luck!

02-14-2006, 08:04 AM	#7
RemoteMan I'll watch anything in HD Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 29	I currently have D** and Fios is not available yet in my area, but once it is there will be no decision to make. A fifteen meg internet pipe and 20 HD Channels all for less money. Where is the decision in that.

02-14-2006, 08:09 AM	#8
gtken23 DLP is great Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Boston Age: 42 Posts: 144	I work for verizon in the boston area, while fios tv is still only available in 1 town here and 1 in VA and 2 in texas. once it is rolled out more cable and D* won't be able to touch it. I had d* for 5 years till trees forced my hand to cable...and I sell dtv for verizon. no one is gonna come close to over 200 channels with 20 in HD for 55 bucks a month...and that includes all the movie channels except for hbo/ cinemax.

02-14-2006, 09:50 AM	#9
Rainor HD/SAT Pro Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 174	Verizon's FiOS service will probably be the poorest quality overall because they have not been in the video broadcast world. They are a carrier. Perhaps after 4 years if they actually don't fail at executing - you may have a good service. DirecTV knows how to broadcast - so I'd find it hard to believe the overall customer experience of Verison's offering could compete with established players (in the early years). Also - per cost... Verizon can charge lower introductionary fees - but they have to wire-up every customer which is expensive.

02-14-2006, 11:37 AM	#11
U96 What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4	I appriciate all of the input so far. As far as the HD channels currently available with FIOS for me living in Fairfax county, they would be 8 local HD channels, 9 national HD channels (they only one that FIOS has that D* does not have is Wealth TV which I never heard of), 5 premium HD movie channels (which I would have to pay extra). So if I were to get an OTA, which generally provides great PQ (non-compressed) given you get a good signal and it is setup right, then FIOS currently only has one additional national HD channel. Although the OTA would look bad on the roof of my house, I will be able to get the local channels for free as long as I wanted. I could hold off of upgrading my HR10/250 until they D* starts offering non-local HD content using MPEG4. Also currently I have 3 Tivo VCRs that I payed for and if I went with FIOS, I would have to rent the DVRs for $12.95 a piece or an extra $38.85 a month. Not that I have to have 3 DVRs but it would be a step backward plus I like the fact that they are TIVO DVRs which has a lot of nice features compared to some of the other DVRs out there. I can also TIVO HD programs that I would get thru my OTA. I am also a little concerned that FIOS prices might rise in the future after this first year and I would be left with little alternative. I guess my main conerns are: Will service will be adding decent HD channels faster? Since so much programming is still SD (I can only watch so much Knight Rider in HD and have seen Free Jack like 20 times), which would give a better SD PQ? Which service would provide better PQ in HD?

02-14-2006, 11:39 AM	#12
Moonyworld Rush fan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 22	HDSteeler, Where in Northern Va. are you? I am in Centreville and I got Fios about a month or so ago but no TV service yet. Are you saying Fios TV will be available by the end of the month? If so, I'll be jumping ship too! I can't wait. I'm looking forward to more HD channels!

02-14-2006, 11:43 AM	#13
U96 What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4	HDSteeler, Is Verizon going to charge you for installation?

02-14-2006, 03:53 PM	#14
HDSteeler My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 5	I'm in the herndon area (Franklin Farms). Up to 3 locations installed for free. 19.95 for each additional. I to have spent (wasted) alot of money on recievers and such with Dtv. Do you realy think thats going to change in the future? NOT! IMHO Dtv has been over charging for years and will continue to do so. Bottom line, if i'm going to pay I want the best! Not some overly compressed signal thats not capable of giving me what I'm paying for. I'm getting 4 recievers 2 hd/dvr's. All the sports channels, All the movie channels, all the HD channels, all the locals (In HD) for 98.65 a month! Check out this link, Verizon gives you more, more, and more!!!http://www22.verizon.com/FiosForHome/Channels/FiosTV/channel.aspx

08-09-2006, 03:29 PM	#15
rlstjohn Why isn't everything HD? Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Millersville, MD Posts: 101	I wanted to chime in on this since FIOS TV will soon be in my area. I'm currently a D* subscriber and have been for about 10 years. I was seriously considering changing to FIOS TV when it's available, but now I am not sure due to one thing---hockey. FIOS TV doesn't offer a Center Ice package nor do I see OLN on any of the channel line-ups. So...if you are a hockey fan, I don't think you will see too much on FIOS TV.