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FIOS HD Channel Increase?
I saw lots of articles in Q4 of 2007 about FIOS doubling its HD offering in
Q1 of 2008 and again later by the end of 2008 with HD channels totaling 150. Any news on this? I haven't heard anything since. Thanks, Tim |
FIOS HD Channel Increase?
DrinkyBanjo wrote:
I saw lots of articles in Q4 of 2007 about FIOS doubling its HD offering in Q1 of 2008 and again later by the end of 2008 with HD channels totaling 150. Any news on this? I haven't heard anything since. Thanks, Tim Those articles stated that Verizon would START adding new HD channels in the spring of 2008 on a market by market basis, not in the 1st quarter. We are not yet in Spring, 2008. The short answer is that when you get the new HD channels depends on which market you are in. If you are in FL, TX or CA, it appears it will be a long wait. The roll-out of the up to 30 new HD channels is tied to the shutdown of the analog channels. The hardware for up to 40 analog channels will be replaced with 40 QAM channels. It is important to point out that if you have a Verizon STB or DVR, you never got the analog channels as all the analog channels in the channel 2-49 set were also simulcast as clear digital QAM channels from the beginning. The Verizon STB and DVRs do not even have analog tuners. The only people who get the limited set of analog channels are those who hook up their analog "cable-ready" TVs to the Fios co-axial cable. So not that many people are using the analog channels on Verizon Fios, but Verizon still has to go through a notification process. Verizon is doing this one VHO (Video Head Office) systems at a time. First, they notify the customers in each market that they will have to get the DCT 700 SD STB for any analog TVs not using a STB or the regular STB/DVR. Verizon is providing the DCT 700s for free for now. The DCT 700 are minimal SD boxes which don't provide guide data or VOD as they don't have IP interfaces. Once the notifications go out, it should be 60 days to shut down the analog channels. BTW, a TV with a clear QAM tuner can get all of the SD and HD local stations, the PEGs, and the music channels on Verizon as they are not encrypted. Can save on paying for a STB for a kitchen or bedroom TV if all you want is the local news or Leno/Letterman at night. The new markets in Western PA and Oregon don't have analog channels. People in central and SE VA, IN, and NY have gotten their notifications. Those markets are expected to get the new HD channels first, sometime after the analog channels are shutdown in April. The reported analog shutdown schedule by VHO as of last month was: IN(VHO10) 4/1 VA(VHO9) 4/7 VA(VHO9a) 4/14 NY(VHO5) 4/21 MA(VHO6) 5/12 RI(VHO6a) 5/12 DE(VHO8) 6/2 PA(VHO8) 6/2 NJ(VHO8) 6/2 (southern NJ, Philly market) NJ(VHO7) 6/23 (northern NJ) MD(VHO4) 7/21 VA(VHO4) 7/21 (northern VA) FL(VHO2) 8/18 CA(VHO3) 9/1 TX(VHO1) 9/22 I expect some of these dates to slip, if not all. The reason for all this hassle is that Verizon did not build out the equipment in their distribution backbone from the VHOs to the COs to provide all the QAM channels they could have. They thought that 54 and later 63 QAM channels would be enough for the next few years. Oops. The analog shutdown will reportedly be followed by expanding the VHOs and COs to provide all 135 QAM channels for a full 860 MHz all digital system. That will give them the bandwidth for the 150+ HD channels they have stated they will be able to do by the end of 2008. (Each QAM channel can carry 2 full bandwidth HD channels or 9+ SD channels). There is the possibility that Verizon will add a few HD channels to all the markets this spring, but that is only speculation. Anyway, longer answer than you were expecting, I'm sure! Alan F |
FIOS HD Channel Increase?
"Alan F" wrote in message news:[email protected] DrinkyBanjo wrote: I saw lots of articles in Q4 of 2007 about FIOS doubling its HD offering in Q1 of 2008 and again later by the end of 2008 with HD channels totaling 150. Any news on this? I haven't heard anything since. Thanks, Tim Those articles stated that Verizon would START adding new HD channels in the spring of 2008 on a market by market basis, not in the 1st quarter. We are not yet in Spring, 2008. The short answer is that when you get the new HD channels depends on which market you are in. If you are in FL, TX or CA, it appears it will be a long wait. The roll-out of the up to 30 new HD channels is tied to the shutdown of the analog channels. The hardware for up to 40 analog channels will be replaced with 40 QAM channels. It is important to point out that if you have a Verizon STB or DVR, you never got the analog channels as all the analog channels in the channel 2-49 set were also simulcast as clear digital QAM channels from the beginning. The Verizon STB and DVRs do not even have analog tuners. The only people who get the limited set of analog channels are those who hook up their analog "cable-ready" TVs to the Fios co-axial cable. So not that many people are using the analog channels on Verizon Fios, but Verizon still has to go through a notification process. Verizon is doing this one VHO (Video Head Office) systems at a time. First, they notify the customers in each market that they will have to get the DCT 700 SD STB for any analog TVs not using a STB or the regular STB/DVR. Verizon is providing the DCT 700s for free for now. The DCT 700 are minimal SD boxes which don't provide guide data or VOD as they don't have IP interfaces. Once the notifications go out, it should be 60 days to shut down the analog channels. BTW, a TV with a clear QAM tuner can get all of the SD and HD local stations, the PEGs, and the music channels on Verizon as they are not encrypted. Can save on paying for a STB for a kitchen or bedroom TV if all you want is the local news or Leno/Letterman at night. The new markets in Western PA and Oregon don't have analog channels. People in central and SE VA, IN, and NY have gotten their notifications. Those markets are expected to get the new HD channels first, sometime after the analog channels are shutdown in April. The reported analog shutdown schedule by VHO as of last month was: IN(VHO10) 4/1 VA(VHO9) 4/7 VA(VHO9a) 4/14 NY(VHO5) 4/21 MA(VHO6) 5/12 RI(VHO6a) 5/12 DE(VHO8) 6/2 PA(VHO8) 6/2 NJ(VHO8) 6/2 (southern NJ, Philly market) NJ(VHO7) 6/23 (northern NJ) MD(VHO4) 7/21 VA(VHO4) 7/21 (northern VA) FL(VHO2) 8/18 CA(VHO3) 9/1 TX(VHO1) 9/22 I expect some of these dates to slip, if not all. The reason for all this hassle is that Verizon did not build out the equipment in their distribution backbone from the VHOs to the COs to provide all the QAM channels they could have. They thought that 54 and later 63 QAM channels would be enough for the next few years. Oops. The analog shutdown will reportedly be followed by expanding the VHOs and COs to provide all 135 QAM channels for a full 860 MHz all digital system. That will give them the bandwidth for the 150+ HD channels they have stated they will be able to do by the end of 2008. (Each QAM channel can carry 2 full bandwidth HD channels or 9+ SD channels). There is the possibility that Verizon will add a few HD channels to all the markets this spring, but that is only speculation. Anyway, longer answer than you were expecting, I'm sure! Alan F Alan Thanks for the information. Unfortunately I was hoping the channel increase would be sooner, I'm in North Jersey, but at least now I have an idea of when it might happen. Also, extra thanks for backing up your statement with some great data. Tim |
FIOS HD Channel Increase?
On Mar 9, 10:24*am, Alan F wrote:
DrinkyBanjo wrote: I saw lots of articles in Q4 of 2007 about FIOS doubling its HD offering in Q1 of 2008 and again later by the end of 2008 with HD channels totaling 150. Any news on this? *I haven't heard anything since. Thanks, Tim * Those articles stated that Verizon would START adding new HD channels in the spring of 2008 on a market by market basis, not in the 1st quarter. We are not yet in Spring, 2008. The short answer is that when you get the new HD channels depends on which market you are in. If you are in FL, TX or CA, it appears it will be a long wait. * The roll-out of the up to 30 new HD channels is tied to the shutdown of the analog channels. The hardware for up to 40 analog channels will be replaced with 40 QAM channels. It is important to point out that if you have a Verizon STB or DVR, you never got the analog channels as all the analog channels in the channel 2-49 set were also simulcast as clear digital QAM channels from the beginning. The Verizon STB and DVRs do not even have analog tuners. The only people who get the limited set of analog channels are those who hook up their analog "cable-ready" TVs to the Fios co-axial cable. So not that many people are using the analog channels on Verizon Fios, but Verizon still has to go through a notification process. * Verizon is doing this one *VHO (Video Head Office) systems at a time.. First, they notify the customers in each market that they will have to get the DCT 700 SD STB for any analog TVs not using a STB or the regular STB/DVR. Verizon is providing the DCT 700s for free for now. The DCT 700 are minimal SD boxes which don't provide guide data or VOD as they don't have IP interfaces. Once the notifications go out, it should be 60 days to shut down the analog channels. * BTW, a TV with a clear QAM tuner can get all of the SD and HD local stations, the PEGs, and the music channels on Verizon as they are not encrypted. Can save on paying for a STB for a kitchen or bedroom TV if all you want is the local news or Leno/Letterman at night. * The new markets in Western PA and Oregon don't have analog channels. People in central and SE VA, IN, and NY have gotten their notifications. Those markets are expected to get the new HD channels first, sometime after the analog channels are shutdown in April. The reported analog shutdown schedule by VHO as of last month was: IN(VHO10) 4/1 VA(VHO9) 4/7 VA(VHO9a) 4/14 NY(VHO5) 4/21 MA(VHO6) 5/12 RI(VHO6a) 5/12 DE(VHO8) 6/2 PA(VHO8) 6/2 NJ(VHO8) 6/2 (southern NJ, Philly market) NJ(VHO7) 6/23 (northern NJ) MD(VHO4) 7/21 VA(VHO4) 7/21 (northern VA) FL(VHO2) 8/18 CA(VHO3) 9/1 TX(VHO1) 9/22 * I expect some of these dates to slip, if not all. The reason for all this hassle is that Verizon did not build out the equipment in their distribution backbone from the VHOs to the COs to provide all the QAM channels they could have. They thought that 54 and later 63 QAM channels would be enough for the next few years. Oops. The analog shutdown will reportedly be followed by expanding the VHOs and COs to provide all 135 QAM channels for a full 860 MHz all digital system. That will give them the bandwidth for the 150+ HD channels they have stated they will be able to do by the end of 2008. (Each QAM channel can carry 2 full bandwidth HD channels or 9+ SD channels). * There is the possibility that Verizon will add a few HD channels to all the markets this spring, but that is only speculation. Anyway, longer answer than you were expecting, I'm sure! * Alan F Any idea what the new HD channels will be??? Do you also know if they will be adding more spanish language programming??? in particular CARACOL TV COLOMBIA. Also any other multicultural programming, as i am interested in watching anything from around the world. Thank You. |
FIOS HD Channel Increase?
On Mar 9, 10:24*am, Alan F wrote:
DrinkyBanjo wrote: I saw lots of articles in Q4 of 2007 about FIOS doubling its HD offering in Q1 of 2008 and again later by the end of 2008 with HD channels totaling 150. Any news on this? *I haven't heard anything since. Thanks, Tim * Those articles stated that Verizon would START adding new HD channels in the spring of 2008 on a market by market basis, not in the 1st quarter. We are not yet in Spring, 2008. The short answer is that when you get the new HD channels depends on which market you are in. If you are in FL, TX or CA, it appears it will be a long wait. * The roll-out of the up to 30 new HD channels is tied to the shutdown of the analog channels. The hardware for up to 40 analog channels will be replaced with 40 QAM channels. It is important to point out that if you have a Verizon STB or DVR, you never got the analog channels as all the analog channels in the channel 2-49 set were also simulcast as clear digital QAM channels from the beginning. The Verizon STB and DVRs do not even have analog tuners. The only people who get the limited set of analog channels are those who hook up their analog "cable-ready" TVs to the Fios co-axial cable. So not that many people are using the analog channels on Verizon Fios, but Verizon still has to go through a notification process. * Verizon is doing this one *VHO (Video Head Office) systems at a time.. First, they notify the customers in each market that they will have to get the DCT 700 SD STB for any analog TVs not using a STB or the regular STB/DVR. Verizon is providing the DCT 700s for free for now. The DCT 700 are minimal SD boxes which don't provide guide data or VOD as they don't have IP interfaces. Once the notifications go out, it should be 60 days to shut down the analog channels. * BTW, a TV with a clear QAM tuner can get all of the SD and HD local stations, the PEGs, and the music channels on Verizon as they are not encrypted. Can save on paying for a STB for a kitchen or bedroom TV if all you want is the local news or Leno/Letterman at night. * The new markets in Western PA and Oregon don't have analog channels. People in central and SE VA, IN, and NY have gotten their notifications. Those markets are expected to get the new HD channels first, sometime after the analog channels are shutdown in April. The reported analog shutdown schedule by VHO as of last month was: IN(VHO10) 4/1 VA(VHO9) 4/7 VA(VHO9a) 4/14 NY(VHO5) 4/21 MA(VHO6) 5/12 RI(VHO6a) 5/12 DE(VHO8) 6/2 PA(VHO8) 6/2 NJ(VHO8) 6/2 (southern NJ, Philly market) NJ(VHO7) 6/23 (northern NJ) MD(VHO4) 7/21 VA(VHO4) 7/21 (northern VA) FL(VHO2) 8/18 CA(VHO3) 9/1 TX(VHO1) 9/22 * I expect some of these dates to slip, if not all. The reason for all this hassle is that Verizon did not build out the equipment in their distribution backbone from the VHOs to the COs to provide all the QAM channels they could have. They thought that 54 and later 63 QAM channels would be enough for the next few years. Oops. The analog shutdown will reportedly be followed by expanding the VHOs and COs to provide all 135 QAM channels for a full 860 MHz all digital system. That will give them the bandwidth for the 150+ HD channels they have stated they will be able to do by the end of 2008. (Each QAM channel can carry 2 full bandwidth HD channels or 9+ SD channels). * There is the possibility that Verizon will add a few HD channels to all the markets this spring, but that is only speculation. Anyway, longer answer than you were expecting, I'm sure! * Alan F Any idea what the new HD channels will be??? Do you also know if they will be adding more spanish language programming??? in particular CARACOL TV COLOMBIA. Also any other multicultural programming, as i am interested in watching anything from around the world. Thank You. |
FIOS HD Channel Increase?
On Mar 28, 4:02*pm, Alan F wrote:
wrote: On Mar 9, 10:24 am, Alan F wrote: Any idea what the new HD channels will be??? Do you also know if they will be adding more spanish language programming??? in particular CARACOL TV COLOMBIA. Also any other multicultural programming, as i am interested in watching anything from around the world. Thank You. * Verizon has made no concrete announcements of what HD channels they will be adding, but one can make a good guess. CNN-HD, USA-HD, the three remaining Discovery set of HD channels, History HD, hopefully Sci-Fi HD, and so on. * But I would guess that Caracol TV Columbia is an SD channel. If so, it is not part of the HD set. Checking the Fios channel line-up athttp://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup..., there is a TV Colombia at channel 470 if that is the same as Caracol TV Columbia. * Alan F Thanks, I appreciate your response and help. |
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