Finally, new tv options were available in our neighborhood so we just connected to Verizon’s new FIOS TV, which is fiber-optic based. The waiting list in my state is especially long, so while I signed up last month, it wasn’t installed until last week. At the present time, we were hooked up with FiOS internet, which provided 15MB downstream as well as upstream Ten dollars a month is all that the premium service costs. and I’ve been really satisfied.

Because the Verizon FIOS Internet was already there, it was no problem for the installer to hook it up to the TV. The technician installed the cables by taking my existing coax splitter and splitting the signal before the router. Once inside, the coax splits and goes into all the rooms and then one of the downstream cables connects with the Verizon Internet Router’s Coax. From that location the router speaks TCP/IP over RJ-45 and supplies your home, however it also can display IP addresses over Coax to the DVR. (DVR or Digital Video Recorder device) That is also included with the FIOS package.

The interface is extremely intuitive, but also includes a number of advanced shortcuts that you’ll stumble on in the using. When you’re watching TV, selecting the buttons marked up, down, left or right will take you those directions. For use as a shortcut It is very easy to navigate to different modes. To view a split-screen that has the TV guide on the left-hand side, push the up button, and in order to see a half-screen floating guide, push the down button. You can get to the full-screen guide by pressing Guide once, or go to the split-screen by pressing it twice. Pressing the button marked “Info” once will give you a small pop up with information about the TV show you’re watching and hitting it again will give you full-screen information.

The DVR can store approximately 17 hours of HD TV or 60 hours of standard TV. (Similar Defintion) or whichever combination of options you choose. Like with the majority of DVR devices, it is possible to adjust every recording as “protected”. (not deleted in an automatic manner) or to stay in a life with the latest x recordings. It’s possible to choose new episodes exclusively, or to choose all shows including those that are repeats.

The price for core package is 43$ a month. For this you get several DVR options ranging from standard HD, standard DVR and HD DVR. Because they and not the cable providers set their own costs, HBO, Showtime, and other premium channels cost the same as on cable.

Overall, I can report that we’ve been thoroughly pleased! I am satisfied with Verizon’s picture quality and its set-top box; wish they come out with more choice of on-Demand movies and of course update the set-top boxes It is my opinion that the first month of Verizon FIOS TV in my state has set the stage right for its great progress. This is much preferable to local cable if you can possibly get it.