DVD Video Recorders and Cable Card questions from novice
merlinsdad
Newbie

I am a complete novice at FIOS, and I'm hoping to get some questions answered  in order to decide whether to get it to replace my current Comcast Cable with FIOS TV. 

I have 2 HD LCD TVs and 2 cable-ready older TVs.  In addition, I also have 2 DVD/VCR Video Recorders with built-in digital/analog receivers as I record a lot of programs. If I were to get FIOS, I would want to get HD tv on one of the 2 LCDs, and for that I know I have to get an HD STB.   

My questions are:

 

  1. Does the Cable Card basically convert the FIOS signal into something that my TV or Recorder can interpret? 
  2. Can I use a Cable Card to get reception in the 2nd LCD TV---the one without the set-top box?
  3. Can I use a Cable Card to get reception in the 2 older TVs, as I want to be able to get MSNBC and CNN on them?
  4. MOST IMPORTANTLY, can I use the Cable Cards for the 2 DVD Video Recorders?  On Comcast, I currently program these recorders for various channels and times on different days of the week, and the cable input is switched automatically to the appropriate channel by the recorder.  Is that feasible on FIOS?
  Thanks for your help.
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Re: DVD Video Recorders and Cable Card questions from novice
rangerfan
Enthusiast - Level 2

In case you were not already aware, a CableCARD is a small device that goes into another piece of electronics, such as a DVR (TiVo, Moxi) or Digital Cable Ready television.  It is a replacement for a set-top box (STB), not a STB by itself.

That said, if your device has a slot for a CableCARD, then the answer is "yes," you can use a Verizon CableCARD with the device and view encrypted channels such as MLB Network HD or Food Network.  If your device does not have a slot for a CableCARD then you cannot use such a card with the device and will need a STB connected to the inputs of the device you want to use.  Most DVD recorders do not have CableCARD slots so you would need to connect a Verizon STB to the recorder.

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Re: DVD Video Recorders and Cable Card questions from novice
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

A CableCard is a credit-card sized access card.  It plugs into a device with a CableCard slot to authorize all of the channels that you pay for.   Your device must have a CableCard slot to use it.

 

Devices with CableCard slots include the Moxi and TivoHD.   Some TVs also have CableCard slots.  There are no DVD recorders with CableCard slots.  Here's a picture of a CableCard:

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