Problem with recording re-runs

[BBQ_Chef]

I've set up my DVR to record new programs only, but it will record re-runs.  When I go into the program information, it lists the program as "new", even though I know it's a repeat.  Prime example, Entourage.  It records every episode every time it is on.  I have now spoken to two tech reps and one installer and no one has heard of this or knows how to fix it.  ANyone else having this problem??

[KenAF]

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@BBQ_Chef wrote:
I've set up my DVR to record new programs only, but it will record re-runs.  When I go into the program information, it lists the program as "new", even though I know it's a repeat.  Prime example, Entourage.  It records every episode every time it is on.  I have now spoken to two tech reps and one installer and no one has heard of this or knows how to fix it.  ANyone else having this problem??

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As you've seen, faulty guide data is not uncommon with the FiOS DVR.  The culprit is Verizon's guide data provider -- FYI Television.   For reasons that seemed good at the time, they signed a contract with that new guide data provider.   Obviously, Verizon did not forsee that FYI would prove inept in its ability to deliver consistently reliable guide data with the proper new and repeat flags that the DVR depends on to record.  Had they elected to go with one of the two established guide data providers (Tribune and Gemstar), you would not have this problem.

Yes, there are many threads on this subject.  Here are a few:

http://forums.verizon.com/vrzn/board/message?board.id=FiOS_TV&thread.id=1610&page=1

http://forums.verizon.com/vrzn/board/message?board.id=FiOS_TV&thread.id=1887&page=1

The official word from Verizon management is that they are working with FYI to improve the reliablity their guide data.  That's been the company position since late 2006.  I have personally seen little to no improvement in that time.  I gave up waiting and bought a TivoHD for FiOS; TiVo uses Tribune for their guide data so they do not have these problems.

Eventually, Verizon will switch to Tribune or Gemstar and guide data issues will be a thing of the past.  Until then, you've basically got to live with it or buy a TivoHD.  If you live with it, you can minimize the number of new episodes you miss by choosing to record both new and repeats; that will get you a lot of repeats that you don't want, but at least you won't miss [too many] new episodes.

Message Edited by KenAF on 11-13-2008 08:54 PM

[BBQ_Chef]

Thank you kindly for the full explination.  That's pretty much how I have been handling it so far.  It's too bad they can't get their stuff together.

[TimSykes]

yeah most DVRs have this issue. its a issue with the Guide data, the only system I have never had a issue with is my Windows media center PC

[ubrgeek]

I don't know if official Verizon reps read these boards, but it would be nice to get a response to this issue.  It's something most reviews of the service mention, and have for  few years now. Is Verizon waiting for their contract with FYI Television to expire?

[KenAF]

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@TimSykes wrote:
yeah most DVRs have this issue. its a issue with the Guide data, the only system I have never had a issue with is my Windows media center PC

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In my experience, most DVRs do not have this issue.  DirecTV and TiVo use Tribune, the same as Windows Media Center.

Programs missed in the 18 months I had the Verizon DVR: 60+

Programs missed in the 12 months I had a TivoHD: 0

Message Edited by KenAF on 12-02-2008 05:29 PM