FiOS Questions

[Brainonska511]

This might seem like a networking issue, but a search shows that most FiOS threads pop up in OT, so I figure its best to ask here. If that was inappropriate, please move this thread to the proper forum.

My parents are thinking about switching to FiOS from Cablevision due to Cablevision moving some analog channels like SciFi to their digital channel line up and forcing cable boxes on people. But they have some questions before making the jump.

1) There is a $95.95/month package for TV and 10/2 internet for a year. For anyone with FiOS, how much did it go up after the one year contract ended?

2) Supposedly, Verizon supplies a router/modem combination - how are the Verizon routers? Would my parents be able to continue using their own router and just set Verizon's device to pass through stuff instead of acting as a router?

Thanks.

Edit:
And another question, what would be the best way to record television with FiOSTV? Currently, my parents use analog cable and 2 VCRs (so my mom can record 2 things at once and everyone else can watch something else on the tvs).

 

[Jack Ryan]

1) In my area, internet was available before TV (now I have both) so I wasn't offered a package deal. I did get the regular $5 off a month for 12 months (15/2).

2) The Actiontec router I was supplied with is decent enough. There are numerous "how to" guides on how to use your own equipment in addition to the verizon router.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

 

[luckysnafu]

1) Not sure how much it goes up, but if you don't need 10/2 internet, you should be able to get TV/Phone and 5/2 Internet for around $105 a month for a year.
2) I have FIOS internet and use the verizon router/modem as a pass through device. Just make sure you turn off the wireless and set your parents router's DHCP to give out IP's that are different from the verizon device.

 

[tarak]

I can't speak to the first question - I only get internet (they didn't have TV at the time, and since then I've grown to live without it)

As to the second, the router that it comes with is usable, but mediocre. Many people complain about its small NAT table (1kb table) filling up when using P2P. Theres howtos on setting up the router as a network bridge - http://www.dslreports.com/foru...424WR-a-network-bridge

SmallNetBuilder has a review of the router - http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30022/51/

Hope that helps!

 

[soccerballtux]

Originally posted by: tarak
I can't speak to the first question - I only get internet (they didn't have TV at the time, and since then I've grown to live without it)

As to the second, the router that it comes with is usable, but mediocre. Many people complain about its small NAT table (1kb table) filling up when using P2P. Theres howtos on setting up the router as a network bridge - http://www.dslreports.com/foru...424WR-a-network-bridge

SmallNetBuilder has a review of the router - http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30022/51/

Hope that helps!

could a small nat table be why my motorola router stops working for 30 seconds when a torrent gets going really fast (like 3MB/s on linux isos)? It's a WR850G.

 

[rh71]

I switched away from Cablevision tv just this month and from OOL internet a couple years back. I despise that company.

Going to FIOS freedom bundle (tv/internet/phone) - it's $95/mo. That's 20/5 internet, unlimited calls, and premier tv (though we got movies/sports thru a promo). Double check your internet package on that, it should be faster for that price in this area. And does your $95 include unlimited phone? It's completely worth it... seeing as how we were paying $90/mo. in cable tv alone and with even fewer channels than FIOS tv is offering.

I also asked about the new price after a year and they said they're always offering promos so don't worry. That remains to be seen. But still, what you're saving and getting in return (digital!) is huge.

Not sure about #2 as I'm using the FIOS router alone... it has 4 ports to hook up your other machines already. No problems with it.

 

[Brainonska511]

To respond to the first question that came back, 10/2 is the lowest package offered by Verizon according to their website, they might have an unadvertised 5/1.5 package. I'll have my parents inquire (probably have to do that one by phone) about it.

And another question, what would be the best way to record television with FiOSTV? Currently, my parents use analog cable and 2 VCRs (so my mom can record 2 things at once and everyone else can watch something else on the tvs).

Thanks for the answers so far.

 

[SpunkyJones]

VCR's? Tell them to get a DVR, quality will be much better than what they get with the VCR's, and more useful to boot.

 

[rh71]

FIOS offers DVR boxes.. standard and HD as well. Lot of options but of course they come at a price. 1 HD DVR box is $16/mo. and a standard def DVR is $13/mo.

http://www22.verizon.com/conte...ackages+and+prices.htm --> addons tab.

I already pay $11/mo. for the HD box (no DVR) so it's not a huge leap in price if they go with the DVR version of it.

The 10/2 package is only what's advertised on the web. It depends where your parents are and that's how I was offered the 20/5. Call and ask referencing their area.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: SpunkyJones
VCR's? Tell them to get a DVR, quality will be much better than what they get with the VCR's, and more useful to boot.

I know, but the VCRs have worked for the longest time and do their job of time-shifting. My parents looked at it as a matter of "why fix what isn't broken?"

Originally posted by: rh71
FIOS offers DVR boxes.. standard and HD as well. Lot of options but of course they come at a price. 1 HD DVR box is $16/mo. and a standard def DVR is $13/mo.

http://www22.verizon.com/conte...ackages+and+prices.htm --> addons tab.

I already pay $11/mo. for the HD box (no DVR) so it's not a huge leap in price if they go with the DVR version of it.

The 10/2 package is only what's advertised on the web. It depends where your parents are and that's how I was offered the 20/5. Call and ask referencing their area.

My parents actually live on Long Island just like you (according to your profile). Thankfully, they don't need HD stuff yet, only SDTV. I'll have them call for further questions and see if there is an even cheaper package for internet. Though, my little brother does some gaming and I'm sure he'll find other bandwidth heavy activities to do.

 

[SpunkyJones]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: SpunkyJones
VCR's? Tell them to get a DVR, quality will be much better than what they get with the VCR's, and more useful to boot.

I know, but the VCRs have worked for the longest time and do their job of time-shifting. My parents looked at it as a matter of "why fix what isn't broken?"

The quality of the recordings are much better. What you see is what you record, no loss in quality. Pausing live TV, 5 second rewind button for when you miss a piece of conversation, no switching around tapes, Season passes.