FIOS TV Observations: Not at all impressed with the quality of the SD channels

[tvdias]

I just had FIOS TV installed 3 days ago and wanted to share my experiences......

First of all, FIOS TV REQUIRES that your home network subnet be on the default 192.168.0 subnet.  I had changed mine to another subnet and as a result I had to change all my devices with static IP'S back to the default subnet.

The supplied Motorola cable HD-PVR boxes have eithernet, Firewire and USB ports on them, but these appear to be disabled.

There is an additional device that basically bridges IP from the ethernet network out of the FIOS router into your cable TV coax network to enable video on demand and the program guide.  I had to buy a new ethernet switch because I was out of ports.

A single coax from the FIOS demarc outside was run to a 6 way splitter.  One port on the splitter is fed by the bridge described in the previous sentance.

Most surprising and dissappointing were the overly compressed standard def channels, swimming with artifacts, mosquito noise, and other signs of obvious over compression.  I wouldn't want to watch these channels on anything larger that a 30" TV.  They certainly aren't meant to be viewed on a projection TV of any reasonable size or quality.  As for why this is, I don't know.  I have problems understanding it since one of the supposed "advantages" of fiber is virtually unlimited bandwidth.  I didn't believe this could be possible, but quality of these SD channels is actually worse than what I had on DirecTV.  I may yet go back to DirecTV, if Verizon doesn't correct this situation.

On the plus side, and about the only thing I am impressed with is the quality of the HD signal. 

However, the Motorola HD PVR box is missing some important capabilities that the RCA DirecTV receiver had.  Most notable is complete aspect ratio control, allowing the component video signal to be used on a projector with an anamorphic lens installed.  The Motorola apparently can't put out a squeezed picture to correct for the additional expansion associated with the use of an anamorphic lens.  Even though ther is a button labed A.R. on the remote, it does nothing.

Install time for 4 devices was about 3 hours, as my house was prewired with quad shield coax.
Vern

[TommyRox]

Are you still having issues?

[Ras63]

I have noticed that some of the SD channels do not seem to be very clear  sharp, however, there are other SD channels that are extrememly clear.  I think some channels are repeated.  Have you compared the same broadcast on the different channels?

Ras

[pfh]

I'm frankly not impressed by cable SD on a HDTV either.  The signals might all have to be digital by 2009 but it doesn' mean they have to be HD.  All these fancy new HD sets can't magically upsample garbage and make it look good.

[darkazally]

"First of all, FIOS TV REQUIRES that your home network subnet be on the default 192.168.0 subnet.  I had changed mine to another subnet and as a result I had to change all my devices with static IP'S back to the default subnet."

This is not true. I have my network on a different subnet, and it is has been working fine for weeks. I am using 172.16.61.X network at home, with static IP's everywhere.

[sparky]

I had fios tv for three days now and I am very disappointed. I am former Direct tv customer and have all hd equipment.  After fios was installed all my tv's look blue/grey.  I have a 70" sony hd tv but my picture comes in like a 40"?  The installers are former phone installers and have no idea about hd connections at all. Try and get tech help is like trying to win the lottery! My house was pre wired and the install took all day, I even installed my own boxes!!!!! Verizon fios is like jet blue, got too big too fast.  I am running back to Direct TV storm trouble and all.  At least my picture will be clear and fill the screen.