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Considering Fios...with a few questions
Sci-Fi Wasabi
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Ok, so im considering ditching netflix, gamefly, and comcast internet (i dont have cable tv) and considering getting a verizion fios tv and internet bundle. I'm really interested in HD channels, and the increased internet speed would be nice, even though comcast has been decent in that regard. everyone tells me fios is way better. so consolidating my bills will be great, but im unclear about a few things, and hopefully you guys can give me piece of mind.
1.) I have a comcast provided modem, and my own router. I need wireless to my computer, ps3, and wii. I need a wired connection to my 360. I understand verizon provides a wireless router at no cost. assuming i know how to set up my consoles and allow them to set up my one computer, is there any downside to just shelving my router and letting them set up theirs? might free up some cables, but im wondering if there are factors im not considering.
2.) The website is unclear about whether or not ill need an HD Receiver to get HD channels. It simply says without one I wont be able to use the channel guide or set channel preferences. I definitely want High Def picture and digital sound. It's an extra ten bucks a month, bringing my total two year agreement to 109.99 a month. yes? no?
finally, how is the picture quality in fios hd compared to dish hd? this is pretty much the first cable package ive ever been financially responsible for, much less the first HD one, so i'm looking to make a smart choice. I've calculated that the bundle will cost approx. 25 dollars more a month than my three other services did combined, with a consolidated bill to boot.
any thoughts?
1.) I have a comcast provided modem, and my own router. I need wireless to my computer, ps3, and wii. I need a wired connection to my 360. I understand verizon provides a wireless router at no cost. assuming i know how to set up my consoles and allow them to set up my one computer, is there any downside to just shelving my router and letting them set up theirs? might free up some cables, but im wondering if there are factors im not considering.
2.) The website is unclear about whether or not ill need an HD Receiver to get HD channels. It simply says without one I wont be able to use the channel guide or set channel preferences. I definitely want High Def picture and digital sound. It's an extra ten bucks a month, bringing my total two year agreement to 109.99 a month. yes? no?
finally, how is the picture quality in fios hd compared to dish hd? this is pretty much the first cable package ive ever been financially responsible for, much less the first HD one, so i'm looking to make a smart choice. I've calculated that the bundle will cost approx. 25 dollars more a month than my three other services did combined, with a consolidated bill to boot.
any thoughts?
Sci-Fi Wasabi on
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Assuming their router has no leasing /installing fees, compatible with your equipment, and can be accessed with ease to do any kind of port forwarding or what have you, I see nothing wrong with using theirs. But if yours already works fine and does what you need, why switch routers?
Yes, you'll need to spend the extra $10 a month. To be fair, $110 is a pretty damn good deal for the connection speeds + cable with HD. I'm paying $150 / mo for far less.
I really don't know about the specifics of HD programming and of quality differences, but I can say you are very lucky to have FiOS in your area and it is insane not to jump on the opportunity.
http://steamcommunity.com/id/Cykstfc
Netflix will be a little harder to let go, but I don't use the instant streaming as much as I should, and there have been times where I have broken down and redboxed a movie because it was cheaper/faster. *shrug*.
at least at first, i want the car payment/insurance, electric, and verizon bill to be the only ones i have to deal with. netflix i might bring out of hibernation after i look at my finances after that.
Man I wish we had us some FIOS up in here.
No P2P that I can think of. Torrents, sure. Haven't used a "limewire" equivalent in around 5 years or so :P
As far as HD channels, you'll need the HD receiver to get the HD channels from FIOS, there's no way around it. Although if you're going this far, I'd highly recommend you get the DVR model so you can record your shows and watch them on your own terms. You'll thank yourself later.
My local Verizon office has been awesome in terms of customer service. I had some connectivity issues after the install and they sent out a technician the next day who went over the entire install from telephone pole to DVR, and he eventually traced the problem to external hardware (in the basement) that had faulty wiring (which he blamed on a coworker). They even gave me a month free for the hassle.
On the flip side, I've had friends who tried to get FIOS and because of logistics weren't able to get an install at all. My future father-in-law's home has all the wiring to the house underground (as it should be) but that meant Verizon would have had to dig a new trench in his front yard to get optic cable to his house. He didn't feel it was worth it and went back to cable.
picture quality is great but i rarely watch TV. the roomies are usually all over it though. the internet is blazing fast (like spaceballs ludicrous speed) but the supplied verizon router sucks copious hairy nads (at least the wireless part). i just use it as a gateway to the wireless router i have everything else in the house connected to. to me it's worth the money alone for the internet.
occasionally the dvr/receiver box (which was provided at no cost by verizon) wigs out and needs a manual reset, but it's not often enough to the point where we worry about calling customer service about. maybe happens about once every two months...chalk it up to technogremlins. i think that's about it though, i'm happy with it and would definitely recommend it to others if they're able to get it in their area.
Torrents are probably on their hitlist as well.
Torrents are P2P
When I signed up for FIOS, the install was done in two steps. First, they sent a crew out with a ditch digger, installed the fiber from the curb to my house, and installed the ONT. On another day, they actually sent someone out to do the in-house installation.
OP, if you want HD channels, you will have to pay for the HD box (unless you have a TiVo with CableCards or something similar). If you like to watch TV, the HD picture quality is absolutely stunning. It's totally worth it if you have a good home theater setup.
Oh, whoops, I'm retarded. I wouldn't cry if torrents were a problem, I don't nearly have enough to do with them to care all that much. How am I gonna know they're a problem? will they send me a warning notice if i try to download any, or will it be apparent from the begining that it probably isnt a good idea?
and as far as I've seen it's the best quality HD around.
Also, I understand there are taxes and other charges on the monthly billing cycle. Are those included in the 109.99 dollar statement total I'm seeing on the website, or will it be on top of that?
Lastly, what's shitty about their routers? I doubt I'll have a problem as long as it has 4 ports and a way to connect my wireless. My devices are all in the same room as well and my apartment is probably as big as some of your bedrooms.
My Actiontec would literally lock up with too many connections. Using it is a bridge is perfectly functional though.
edit.
for coffee kicking in. i believe i signed up for the begining of the month and my bill date is at the end