Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
Justin46
Legend

Maybe a little more info:

1) Verizon no longer provides SD STBs. So even if you have some SD TVs you will get HD boxes, which work just fine with SD TVs (in fact they work better IMO, as you can view the HD-only channels like HDNET and HDNET Movies on an SD TV).

2) Verizon is offering some "package" deals for STBs with along with a DVR. I don't know if you can get the package by ordering via the phone or not, but at least here in Texas I was recently able to get a package for my DVR and 2 HD boxes (replacing 2 SD boxes) that kept the price increase to a minimum. So I encourage you to look for that "deal" (I have no idea whether the deal is available in Tampa). The package deal is better the more STBs you get I think.

3) In the process of replacing my STBs, Verizon sent me 3 of the old QIP7100-1 STBs, two of which were not working when I received them (they were supposedly refurbished and would not activate). Verizon then sent out a tech to get me fixed up, and he told me the ony boxes he had on his truck, and the only ones they were installing here in Texas at least, are the newer QIP7100-P2 boxes - physically smaller than the original 7100, black, NO DISPLAY (clock or channel number, not an issue for me but may be for some). Interestingly the new QIP7232, which looks externally very similar, does have a display.

4) As Mphare said, the multi-room DVR works now with the current 1.8 level of the IMG. However, be aware that with 1.8 you cannot schedule recordings or delete recordings from the STBs, only from the DVR itself. A little bit of an inconvenience that will be fixed when 1.9 becomes available in your area. And if you decide you want to add an external hard drive for more storage, it must be eSata and won't work until you get 1.9.

5) Verizon does not SELL DVRs or STBs, you can only rent them from Verizon. Do not be tempted to buy one on eBay, for example, Verizon will not activate those boxes. If you really want to buy an STB, you can buy a Tivo, for example, they work well on FiOS, but they do not get the Verizon Guide, VOD, Widgets, etc, and they require a cable card, which you must rent from Verizon.

6) One last thing: keep in mind that Verizon typically offers the best prices for services if you "bundle" multiple services - TV, internet, phone. You only mentioned TV, but if you need/want internet and/or home phone service make sure you check into the bundles.

Hope this helps.

__________________________________
Justin
Verizon FiOS TV, Internet, and phone
QIP7232, IMG 1.8, Build 02.54
Keller, TX 76248

Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
GaryDoug
Specialist - Level 1

"2) Verizon is offering some "package" deals for STBs with along with a DVR. I don't know if you can get the package by ordering via the phone or not, but at least here in Texas I was recently able to get a package for my DVR and 2 HD boxes (replacing 2 SD boxes) that kept the price increase to a minimum. So I encourage you to look for that "deal" (I have no idea whether the deal is available in Tampa). The package deal is better the more STBs you get I think."

I live in the Tampa service area and have received in the mail an offer to "bundle" 3 HD STB's and one Multi-room HD DVR for $38.99/mo (plus taxes...). Supposedly this is lower than the separate cost total of $49.96. I wasn't qualified for this offer, so I don't know why they sent it to me unless it was sent to all customers in the Tampa area.

Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
Blue-Meaney
Newbie

Ok Mphare, maybe I misunderstood. I thought prior to 1.9 you could not add an eSATA HD to expand capacity. Is that not the case? Where I'm coming from I had bought a DVR but storage was not expandable (think it was a moto6412). Shortly after the cable company offered a new box for same price that would allow adding an external HD to increase capacity by 7x. Man was I **bleep**. I don't want to repeat that situation. But from your reply to my post I guess you telling me that I've got it wrong? Current offering is a multiroom DVR that is expandable with eSATA HD?

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Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
Blue-Meaney
Newbie

Justin thank you very much for the time and effort of that reply. One more question, if I rent multiroom + 3STB before 1.8 goes to 1.9 is there any chance I could get stuck with a multiroom DVR that is not HD expandable when 1.9 rolls out?

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Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
GaryDoug
Specialist - Level 1

@Blue-Meaney wrote:

Justin thank you very much for the time and effort of that reply. One more question, if I rent multiroom + 3STB before 1.8 goes to 1.9 is there any chance I could get stuck with a multiroom DVR that is not HD expandable when 1.9 rolls out?


Short answer: yes you could. Probably not stuck with it, but you could get one without the eSata socket. Look for it on the unit you receive, then complain if it isn't there. The 7216 and 7232 have it (I have one of each), not sure what other models.

Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
Blue-Meaney
Newbie

Hey guys thanks a lot. Really appreciate the intel. So I'll bundle TV, internet, and phone together. Plus I'll make sure it is an expandable (eSATA) 7-series box.

Can you bundle cell phone too with the other three?

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Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
mphare
Contributor - Level 2

Sorry, maybe it was me that didn't understand. I didn't read you wanted external SATA, just a large HD, the 7232 had 500 GB and that could be considered large by some people. I consider it large.

Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
mphare
Contributor - Level 2

I don't think they call it a bundle, but I do beleive they offer a discount of you also add cell to a double or triple play bundle.

Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
donut1953
Enthusiast - Level 3

@Blue-Meaney wrote:

Hey guys thanks a lot. Really appreciate the intel. So I'll bundle TV, internet, and phone together. Plus I'll make sure it is an expandable (eSATA) 7-series box.

Can you bundle cell phone too with the other three?


I just went from triple play to quad play.. They give you a $10.00 discount when you combine your triple play and cell to all in one bill..

Re: IMG 1.9 release notes and discussion thread
Blue-Meaney
Newbie

$10 is $120/yr! Sounds great. Hey thanks for the help guys, really appreciate you sharing your expertise.

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