Custom TV Plan Quirks
Speedy13
Enthusiast - Level 3

Figured I'd be an early adopter I can always change back later after a test ride.

Some things I noticed which may clear up after some time passes as it goes through the system. (or not?)

The channel guide only shows the base channels in subscribed channel view.  Add ons channel packs are missing.  Have to use the all channels view.  Box was rebooted a number of times.

I have my box set to tune to the HD channel if one is available when sellecting an SD one.  Works with the base channels but not the add on packs.

After the package change my account is still indicating I have the $3.48 Sports Fee applied but i did not select any sports add ons.  I was expecting it to not apply.

I'm going to give it a little time to see if it fixes itself before i call to find out about the sport fee during regular buisiness hours when you get the best response.

As to value well in my case it was only $5 less (and expecting the $3.48 Sports Fee to be removed) with the base plus two packs than the Prefered plan but the channels are different so it depends on what you are looking for.  Gave up alot of channels but will only miss a couple and I gained some i wanted only other way to get them was go Ultimate.  If I have to pay the Sports fee that could be the deal breaker for value.

Seems if you chose another add on pack for an additional $10 there is no value unless the channels you get really matter to you.  Of course I am basing this on the price structure in my area yours could be way different.

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
Speedy13
Enthusiast - Level 3

I went through all the glitches I reported in my first post with Verizon tech today it went to the supervisor level.  Turns out they have been getting many similar reports of these problems all day.  Good news is they are activly working on it and hope to push out an update to resolve the issues hopefully by the end of the week if not sooner.

As to the RSN Fee, according to a billing supervisor that is another glitch they are aware of also with many calls questioning it.  I was told it is in the process of being fixed and I will not see it on my bill.  The way I understand it you only pay the $3.48 RSN Fee if you select the first sports pack.  If you select both sports packs the RSN Fee will be $4.99.

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
CRobGauth
Community Leader
Community Leader

When I compared to ultimate, it seemed to be a wash.

I do have $20 in discounts thiugh.

If thjose carried over, it would be $20 less than what I am paying now.

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
SinCara
Specialist - Level 2

I to switched to the new custom HD.

My wife and I had Ultimate for $89.99 up until Aug. then we would lose a $5 credit towards Internet and it would jump to $94.99.....plus the $42 for quantum service, 1 vms and 1 ipc, plus $23 is taxes and fees.

Custom HD for us is $49.99 then $54.99 after the ending $5 discount in Aug. plus I cut the HBO/Starz completer pack for $16.49 so I'm saving a nice chunk of change even though I'm getting way less channels.

We actually went through the guide channel by channel and asked ourselves if we ever watch it and if we do can we live without it. Ultimate sure wasn't for us and neither was paying an extra $15 over custom for preferred.

Custom sure isn't for everyone, but it will work for some.

I also noticed it said there was an RSN fee.

I'll be complaining about that as I won't have any sports channels.

Being charged for something we don't have isn't fair at all.

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
Speedy13
Enthusiast - Level 3

Have you tried setting the guide to subscribed channels?  Does it work correctly or as I described?

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
SinCara
Specialist - Level 2

@Speedy1 wrote:

Have you tried setting the guide to subscribed channels?  Does it work correctly or as I described?


Honestly I've never used the subscribed channels option even before custom hd because it never worked then for me. I would always be missing channels so I'm sure it works just as you described now.  I just use favorites.

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
CRobGauth
Community Leader
Community Leader

I compared Ultimate (that I currently have) to Custom + all packages.

Price was about the same.

But there seems to be a number of channels that aren't included even if you get all packages.

So check carefully. If the channels you want are there, great.

Will be intersted to see people's opinions as time goes on.

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
JohnDotCom
Enthusiast - Level 2

Speedy1 said he expected the Regional Sports fee to be eliminated because he doesn't have any sports packages...

ESPN said that their current contact with Verizon prohibits Verizon from putting the Sports channels in a separate category and eliminating the fee they charge.   Could verizon be betting that they will take the money and run?  (and forget about the prohibition as long as the effect is not to diminish their fees).

If ESPN wants to litigate it, they might win most of the case and lose the money for those that don't get the sports programing.  Verison is Playing with your money not theirs.

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
Speedy13
Enthusiast - Level 3

I went through all the glitches I reported in my first post with Verizon tech today it went to the supervisor level.  Turns out they have been getting many similar reports of these problems all day.  Good news is they are activly working on it and hope to push out an update to resolve the issues hopefully by the end of the week if not sooner.

As to the RSN Fee, according to a billing supervisor that is another glitch they are aware of also with many calls questioning it.  I was told it is in the process of being fixed and I will not see it on my bill.  The way I understand it you only pay the $3.48 RSN Fee if you select the first sports pack.  If you select both sports packs the RSN Fee will be $4.99.

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
SinCara
Specialist - Level 2

I was also told the rsn fee would only apply if the sports packs are chosen so looks like it is a mistake with them saying on the billing estimates that one woukd apply regardless.

I guess we will see on our first bill reflecting custom hd.

As far as the whole ESPN/Disney issues wouldn't the solution be to just include those channels in the base package of custom hd? Of course if ESPN lands there that means an rsn fee.

That to me would be the easiest solution and would give people more channels, but it would also upset a lot of people who don't want to see the rsn fee.

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Re: Custom TV Plan Quirks
CRobGauth
Community Leader
Community Leader

I don't beleive ESPN would cause an RSN fee (as the R stands for regional).

I believe that fee is to account for differeing prices on local regional sports networks.

And if ESPN gets moved back to the base package, I would expect a lot of other channels will make the same request (depending on their contract verbiage).

If that happens, this all falls apart.

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