Set Top Box Model choice
menton11
Enthusiast - Level 3

Is there a feature difference, or any advantage to one of these boxes over the other?  Which one should I keep and which one should I send back?  I have this choice because the original one is working perfectly now,

When they did the Guide update a few days ago, my bedroom box (Motorola 7100-2) did not work.  I called, and they sent me another box (Motorola 7100-1).  Since then, the original box has started working.  

This is the 7100-1:

7100-1

This is the 2:

7100-2

In spite of a similar model #, these boxes look totally different.   The 2 is black with no front display except for a power light indicator and is compact.  The 1 which is the replacement, is silver color and is full size.   

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Re: Set Top Box Model choice
Keyboards
Master - Level 3

The 7100-2 has a faster processor and more RAM which should make it more future proof as operational firmware becomes more complex (future IMG updates).  For now it probably doesn't make a huge difference other than the lack of a front panel display on the older 7100-1 (preference up to you).

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Re: Set Top Box Model choice
menton11
Enthusiast - Level 3

There is no front display on either model, FWIW.  And thanks for the info, that makes the 7100-2 a keeper in my mind. 

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Re: Set Top Box Model choice
Keyboards
Master - Level 3

@menton11 wrote:

There is no front display on either model, FWIW.  And thanks for the info, that makes the 7100-2 a keeper in my mind. 


Look at the picture you posted of the 7100-1.  That big dark oval area in the middle is an LED display that shows the clock, channel, or "trick" play in use (FF, RWD, PLAY, etc. - EDIT:OOPS that's for a DVR not a plain STB should be just clock or channel).  Regardless, glad to help.

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Re: Set Top Box Model choice
jmw1950
Specialist - Level 2

The 7100-2 is probably a little 'greener' than the -1. Motorola apparently made some effort to reduce the power consumption in the later boxes. For example the 7232 uses about 30% less power than the 7216/6416 it replaces. While none of these boxes are large consumers of power, the fact remains that for all intents and purposes they are on 24/7, and even 20 watts tranlates to about 15Kwh per month, or about $1.50/month on the average electric bill.

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Re: Set Top Box Model choice
visual2
Enthusiast - Level 2

Yes, I just got two of these 7100-2 gems... what a joke.  I added another tv so went to the store to pick up a new HD box and decided to trade in an old HD box for a new one while I was there (better technology, right?).  I was thinking I would get one of the nice new Cisco boxes (with a display), instead I was given a new Motorola 7100-2.  What a shock when I got home to find out that these new boxes have no displays on the front!!!!  No clock, no channel, no nuthin'!  After spending hours calling Verizon and the store, they both said they no longer offer boxes with displays and no one could tell me why.  Everyone I spoke to said they had received numerous complaints about the new boxes, add me to the list!  The store refused to give me back the older HD box I had just turned in the day before.  Also, the boxes look horrific due to the swiss cheese vents on top which allow you to see all of the componenets inside including a large bright red sticker.  In addition to the box issues, they come with a new remote which can only control the STB and the tv (very limited functionality).  A tech support agent with Verizon told me they did away with the other buttons on the remote (to control an audio receiver, DVD player etc.) in order to save money in support costs (so they don't have to take calls from us customers on how to control our DVD player with their remote).  Yep, that's right.  It's back to having 3 or 4 remotes on the couch, nightstand, etc.

Verizon can say the change in boxes is be green (I read this on a previous blog), but let's be real.  Removing a display saves 30% in electricity?  That's laughable.  A box without a display is like a car without a speedometer.  What is Verizon thinking?  These boxes are obviously very cheaply made and I'm sure save Verizon big bucks.  Once again, Verizon shows that it doesn't really care about its customers, only the bottom line.

In addition to now forcing the worst equipment in the industry on it's customers, the customer service I received while in the store and on the phone (over 7 hrs of calls on 2 days with 6 different people to get this garbage working correctly) was deplorable.  Not only is their staff unknowledgable and poorly trained, most are rude and clearly don't care about helping customers.

Gee, it's no wonder that Verizon doesn't offer customers the opportunity to complete a customer service survey like every other legit company out there.  I'm sure they don't need a survey to tell them what a pathetic job they're doing, surely they already know it!  It's time to start looking at cable and satellite as another option.  I'm sure my $200+ a month can be put to better use elsewhere. 

Re: Set Top Box Model choice
thuenke
Enthusiast - Level 1

I just got one of those new compact STB's and who knew how much one relies on the clock and channel indicator.  Fortunately, I didn't send back my old one so I am keeping it.  The new one did not correct the problem so I am keeping the old one.  Brilliant customer relations, Verizon.