I'm sure its been asked a thousand times but I want to verify that M-Cards are available in Buffalo. I bought a Z-Series Sony today and was going to buy the Tivo HD with it and get $100 off the Tivo but the guy was trying to tell me that Tivo may not work with FIOS. I know this is not the case but wanted to be sure I can call and order or go to the local FIOS store and order an M-card. Any moderators or Buffalo(Tonawanda) customers please let me know about the cards. Thanks. Also does anyone know what the lag time is when I order HD Extreme programming, is it instantly sent to my set top or is there a delay of any sort? Dishnetwork's pograming changes are instant I was wondering if its the same here. Thanks, Shawn
M-CARDs are available in all FiOS service areas. That's what you get when you order a CableCard from Verizon. A free installation is required.
From the AVS TivoHD FAQ:
Does the TivoHD work with Verizon FiOS?
Yes. The TivoHD replaces the FiOS STB and DVR, so you no longer need to pay those fees to Verizon. It supports all the same SD and HD channels as the FiOS DVR, including all subscription sports packages. TiVo supplies its own guide data for all FiOS channels with more accurate and complete program information than Verizon provides for its own boxes.
The TivoHD does not support Verizon's own Video On Demand (VOD), nor does it support Verizon's on-screen widgets for weather and traffic. If you don't want to lose Verizon's VOD, you can rent their Motorola STB and connect that to a separate input on your television. Note the TiVo does not support multi-room viewing with Verizon's Motorola boxes; it only supports multi-room viewing with other TiVos.
The TivoHD requires one CableCard (M-CARD) from Verizon to support both tuners. This card plugs into the front of the box to authorize all of the channels you pay for. Verizon charges $3.99/mo for this CableCard, and requires a "truck roll" to install it. Verizon will not ship CableCards or allow local pickup under any circumstances; to the representative, it may look like they can ship you the cards, but if they submit the order that way, you will receive an automated phone message within 2-3 days with the date and time of the scheduled installation.
There is no charge for FiOS CableCard installation, so long as the only action performed is a CableCard install. Anything said to the contrary is outdated information. If you want to return or remove existing equipment, do not mention that when you order the CableCard. Verizon charges $79 for truck roll orders where the caller references equipment removal. Officially, free equipment return is only available by request of a prepaid mailing label or through a visit to the local office.
Note Verizon's order system and CSRs scripts only list "CableCards." Verizon sales does not have any information S-CARDs or M-CARDs. As of 2Q 2009, Verizon FiOS uses M-CARDs for all new installs in all markets, without exception. No matter what the sales rep says, that is what you get when you order a CableCard from Verizon. Anything said to the contrary is outdated information.
Thanks Ken. I figured as much. I Just wanted to be sure.
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