New Customer with DVR Capacity questions
rpitster
Newbie

I just ordered FIOS and was promised by the sales person that came to my door that a dvr that would hold 300 standard recording hours and 88 HD recording hours.  I called verizon to verify this and I can not get a straight answer.  I see on the verizon website the 2 different type dvrs from Motorola.  The 160 GB drive and the 500 GB drive.  I read many  threads and even the 500 GB disk will not meet the numbers quoted to me by the sales person.  The only way I know to get the recording hours promised is to add an external SATA drive to the DVR.  

I have called Verizon 2 times and can not get any answers to this question.  They can not tell me the type dvr that will arrive on install day.  They can only say that I will get a multi room dvr and a standard dvr.  I need 2 of these dvrs since my wife sometimes records 4 shows at the same time.  I also tried to contact the Verizon installer to get answers and no response.

Can anyone clarify any of this for me before I cancel my order ?

Thanks

0 Likes
Re: New Customer with DVR Capacity questions
armond_in_nj1
Master - Level 1

@rpitster wrote:

I just ordered FIOS and was promised by the sales person that ... that a dvr that would hold 300 standard recording hours and 88 HD recording hours ... the only way I know to get the recording hours promised is to add an external SATA drive to the DVR ... I need 2 of these dvrs since my wife sometimes records 4 shows at the same time ... Can anyone clarify any of this for me before I cancel my order ? ...


Probably not.  At some point in the future when Verizon begins rolling out something called "Verizon Media Center" equipment, users will be able to get expanded capabilities.  Unfortunately that time isn't here yet so you have fewer options.

Usually current initial installs cannot specify the exact model device, but only that the devices delivered will meet the order specifications.  In other words, you will receive a DVR, but it may not be the latest or largest model.  It depends on a number of factors such as what's available at the dispatch location, what's available on the truck, etc.  Sounds pretty haphazard I guess, but it's really not all that bad.  Besides, you just may end up getting the latest, largest whatever.  It's a roll of the dice, but my personal view after about a year of FiOS is that the technology and performance are worth whatever "teething" issues one encounters.  Others of course may disagree.

Things change once you actually have the equipment in your home.  Then you have the ability to switch, trade up, etc., depending on your needs.  Note that there often is some sort of fee associated with changing certain gear, especially if it's not defective. 

It would be nice if each new order provided brand new gear with the latest and largest specifications, but that simply is not practical and is not standard industry practice.  Sorry if you are not happy with this news, but it's the best I can offer based on the prevailing situation..

0 Likes
Re: New Customer with DVR Capacity questions
PJL
Master - Level 3

Please disregard.  I cancelled my original reply but the forum sotware posted anyway.

0 Likes
Re: New Customer with DVR Capacity questions
lacticacidtrip
Specialist - Level 1

There are 5 models of DVR.

2708: 80GB

6416: 160GB

7216: 160GB or 500GB

7232: 500GB

435: 500GB

The 2708 is a Standard Definition only DVR. I'm not sure if they even carry it anymore. The rest run SD and HD.

Maximum recording estimates are as follows: (The first two are from personal experience. I rarely got more than this. The third is information I stole from Hubrisnxs.)

80GB: 40 SD

160GB: 80 SD or 20 HD

500GB: 222 SD or 73 HD

0 Likes
Re: New Customer with DVR Capacity questions
PJL
Master - Level 3

Suggest you make sure the technician gives you a 7232 or a 7216 that has had the 160 GB har drive replaced with a 500 GB drive -- which should be the case if it is a refurbished unit.

0 Likes