I have been a DishNetwork customer for several years now, but have, in the last couple of years move and now have FIOS Internet and home phone. These services have work better that I could have dreamed.
Recently my the cost of my Dish service went up again and because I truly believe in fiber technology I thought I would do a side-by-side comparison of the latest Verizon DVR to my four year old Dish Receiver looking at the features I value. I have spoken with FIOS TV Tech support on all the issues below.
The program guide: Much of the text on the screen is too small for me to read when I am sitting on my couch.
Can I select a larger font for the program guide?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
The program guide contains every program that is available, those I get, those I don't and those I don't ever want myself or anyone to see.
Can I selectively remove channel from the guide?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
Can the remote that comes with the system be used to control all my entertainment center hardware. DVR, TV, DVD player, audio receiver?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
Is there a RF option for the remote so I can put my DVR inside the entertainment center?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
There is a button on the remote labeled "PIP". Can the receiver do Picture in Picture?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
Can I connection to, and watch my DVR receiver including live TV and/or already recorded events on my Android phone anywhere I get cell phone signal?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
When setting up DVR events, can these in include Record, Auto Tune or just a Reminder?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
I'm not sure how old the actual FIOS DVR is technology is, but I expected a much closer gap, if not a superior FIOS product.
I would like to be contacted when Verizon has a product that addresses these issues.
@davrog wrote:...
The program guide contains every program that is available, those I get, those I don't and those I don't ever want myself or anyone to see.
Can I selectively remove channel from the guide?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
***Yes you can, by using a favorites list.
...
Can the remote that comes with the system be used to control all my entertainment center hardware. DVR, TV, DVD player, audio receiver?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
***There is a 4-button remote available onlilne from Verizon that will allow you to do this. It costs $14.95, and is available at teleproducts.verison.com/fios/index.cfm/eh/DisplayProducts. But there are many universal remotes available that will do this too.
...
Is there a RF option for the remote so I can put my DVR inside the entertainment center?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
***But there is an IR extender sensor that will allow you to do this.
...
When setting up DVR events, can these in include Record, Auto Tune or just a Reminder?
FIOS: No Dish: Yes
***When selecting a program in the guide you are given the options of recording the program, recording the series of the program, etc., or setting a reminder. If by "Auto Tune" you mean that the STB will automatically switch to the channel, I believe it will if you ignore the prompt on the screen.
...
I would like to be contacted when Verizon has a product that addresses these issues.
***This is a peer-to-peer forum. Who are you making this request to be contacted?
I've answered some of your questions above. For the picture quality alone, plus the triple-play savings you would get by adding TV to your package, I would suggest you give it a try. IMHO, your "no" answers, when judged against picture quality and savings, would not be a show stopper for me.
Start a new topic or ask questions in the open forum.
