Problems with FiOS DVR
sgh112
Newbie

I'm a new FiOS user and I am VERY disappointed with the Motorola DVR Verizon provides.

I am used to the ease of use provided by TiVo and astounded at how poorly the Motorola DVR compares.

Here are the specific problems that I am seeing so far:

1) When I set a series to record "First Run Only" the DVR still records repeats. It has even recorded the same program on two channels at the same time (SD and HD).

2) When I delete a specific episode of a show inthe series manager (since I know it's a repeat), it comes right back and still records it anyway.

3) It takes too many steps to delete a program that was recorded.

4) Is there some way to remove the banner that shows up when you fast forward or rewind?  I  often find that it covers whatever I wanted to see, so I have to rewind much **bleep**her in order to give the banner time to disappear. (TiVo uses the clear button on the remote to remove the banner whe it's blocking somthing).

In general, TiVos are much more elegant in their design and software. Some might compare the relationship of TiVo to the Motorola DVR to that between a Mac and a PC. I think it's morelike comparing a Mac and a Commodore 64.

Please get better software ASAP.

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Re: Problems with FiOS DVR
Keyboards
Master - Level 3

1 - The most likely problem is the information in the guide being wrong as to whether a show is new or not.  This is the fault of the guide provider that Verizon has chosen (a company called FYI).  Also, change your default series options to only record on the specified channel to fix the dual recordings (SD and HD).

2 - Haven't seen this issue.  When I delete a series show I know I have seen, it doesn't come back.


3 - Agree, but it is what it is.

4 - If you press the "EXIT" button the banner will go away.

Keep in mind that TiVO (and other DVRs) have been around a lot longer than Verizon's.  They have made improvements (and missteps) and are working on  making it better - one has to crawl before one can walk before one can run Smiley Wink .

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Re: Problems with FiOS DVR
Tektronic
Enthusiast - Level 3
In deffense to the comparison, Tivo does have a awsome dvr experience and that is what they set out to do. They started and are still just a dvr manufacturing company. Verizons Menu and Guide format is constantly evolving and will always be coming out with new exciting features to compete.
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Re: Problems with FiOS DVR
CapnTrips
Contributor - Level 3

@Tektronic wrote:
In deffense to the comparison, Tivo does have a awsome dvr experience and that is what they set out to do. They started and are still just a dvr manufacturing company. Verizons Menu and Guide format is constantly evolving and will always be coming out with new exciting features to compete.

"Exciting!"????

I would not call ANYTHING associated with watching TV or Video "exciting."  It is after all, just a means to sit around doing nothing productive (Although I readily admit that I do a awful lot of it!Smiley Wink

And although I am frequently an apologist for FIOS's many shortcomings, and have been patient awaiting their always-promised improvements, if there are lessons that TIVO has learned, why does FIOS have to re-learn each and every one?  Why do they not just learn from FIOS's experience?

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Re: Problems with FiOS DVR
jmw1950
Specialist - Level 2

Many organizations suffers from a serious problem, referred to as the NIH syndrome (Not Invented Here). They are convinced they have a monopoly on intelligence, and can do it better than anyone else. Consequently what anyone else may know, or have learned is irrelevant.

As a result, these organizations tend to have to learn many of the lessons others in industry already have learned, either by learning from the other guy, or themselves.

And yes, I am just about ready to go out and buy a TiVO.

Message Edited by jmw1950 on 06-18-2009 10:59 AM
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Re: Problems with FiOS DVR
ksebruce
Newbie
Love the quality of my HD picture but add me to the list of people ready to move to Tivo - my major complaint is with the guide and with pausing of live TV. Why when after a set period of time the pause times out, the video automatically fast forwards to catch up with live TV instead of just playing from where it left off - very annoying when pausing live sports events. The guide (or lack thereof) has been written about many times on these boards but it actually seems to be getting worse - no rhyme or reason to shows being recorded that are not the first run, no way to tell what the original air date was, etc. Also, a major feature that needs to be added is setting up recordings based on keyword searching. Please work on improving the DVR or a nice new Tivo HD box awaits.
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Re: Problems with FiOS DVR
ggma11261
Contributor - Level 3
here is a suggestion - Verizon should tell FYI to get their act together where the guide info is concerned or show them the door. JMO
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