NFL Network slated to be dropped by Comcast on May 1

[ravensnhokies]

Comcast sent a message saying that the NFL is 'forcing' them to drop the NFL Network as part of their Premium Sports Package on May 1. This seriously pisses me off b/c I do generally like their programming.... at least the relatively unbias nature of their daily news & highlight shows. ESPN's coverage is a joke.

It's mostly Comcast's fault b/c both competitiors, Directv & FIOS offer the channel for free. I am not going to give the NFL a free pass though. By not allowing the Comcast subscribers an option to pay a little extra to get it, they should share some blame. Ultimately, it is us, the fans, that get shit on by the greedy corporations squabbling over money. Thanks NFL and Comcast for caring about your customers when many of us are losing jobs and trying to figure out ways to survive.

I know some of you are going to say dump Comcast for FIOS. My Inlaws have it and while the PQ is definitely better, there are a few things I do not like about it. They are always having problems with the service being down or certain channels down. Also that DVR is so damn user unfriendly that I hate it. Can someone tell me, easily, how to record a program with extended time (ie. 10min before the program starting time and 30min after the program is schd to end)? For live games, you absolutely need to extend the recording time b/c rarely any fball game ends at 4pm when its a 1pm game. The Comcast DVR clearly gives you a time option whenever you record a program. And dont say that you just program to record the next show so if it goes over, you will get the overage with the recording of the next show. I do not like this b/c for example during a 1pm game, it will cut the play that occurs at exactly 4pm into another recording. Most likely this will be a critical play too late in the game. I hate that discontinuity that occurs. Anyways if Comcast and the NFL dont patch things up, I may just have to switch over to FIOS. I just wish I didnt have these pet peeves with FIOS.

[Mista T]

I dumped Comcast two years ago, after enduring weekly or more frequent outages for many years -- often for a day or more -- and terrible internet service. I have yet to have an outage with FIOS, it is cheaper, more HD channels, and the internet hums. Based on just my experience, I am amazed that Comcast is still in business in Maryland.

As to DVR recording overage with FiOS, go to "Series Manager", then "Modify Series" to the pull down menu for start and end times. You can add 15 minutes to either end. I still also tape the next CBS show or two to cover possible OT.

As to the Comcast/NFL pissing match: a pox on both houses. They deserve each other. Since Congress has nothing else to worry about these days :261695: , watch a little heat be placed on the NFL by politicians. Betcha the NFL loses this round.

btw: NFLN has been a major disappointment to me. Why limit the replays to just 4 games? And every time I hear Deion Sanders open his mouth, I grab the mute button.

[LOT"H"TAILGATER]

I dumped crapcast for fios three months ago and it is everything they advertize, blazing fast, great picture , 10x more hd channels and free nfl network,,,, F comcast , drop them and get a better signal for a lower price

[ace2die]

I have a good understanding as to what is happening with this situation. Nfl network is paid per subscription for their channel. The NFL wants to be paid $3.00 for every Comcast subscriber (100,000,000) instead of $3.00 for every sports package subscription (400,000). Th e NFL is trying to make money. Comcast is protecting the non NFL fans from an extra round of price increases. I don't understand why people who have no ides what they are talking about are spewing such slanderous flith about a company that provides a service people want.
Why don't yalll save it for BGE. A company jiveing you for something you need.

[bmore4life]

I have a good understanding as to what is happening with this situation. Nfl network is paid per subscription for their channel. The NFL wants to be paid $3.00 for every Comcast subscriber (100,000,000) instead of $3.00 for every sports package subscription (400,000). Th e NFL is trying to make money. Comcast is protecting the non NFL fans from an extra round of price increases. I don't understand why people who have no ides what they are talking about are spewing such slanderous flith about a company that provides a service people want.
Why don't yalll save it for BGE. A company jiveing you for something you need.

thats all well and good buddy, but i pay almost $200 a MONTH to comcast. i DON'T have NFLN or any movie channels. my internet is constantly down and channels go out every day... let me tell you, i love setting up my DVR to have it record a blank screen for 1/2 hour... its great!!! but their customer service is even better.

but i digress... you talk about providing a service that customers want... well why is it FIOS and DTV don't charge for NFLN? the only reason the NFL wants money from Comcast is because they are charging their customers for a service that is free on other providers.

FUCK COMCAST!!!! as soon as FIOS is available, i will cancel my service...

[Drkraven]

Comcrap is the WORST. We had some initial trouble with FIOS internet but they have been resolved, we have Direct TV because I like Sunday Ticket. I am not a fan of NFLN this time of year because I am not a draftnick and they say a lot of things that piss me off as filler.

[darb72]

My in-laws got DirectTV for us Christmas of '99. I won't go back to Comcast for television though I do like their internet access.

My horror story down here is that when Cartoon Network first came out, Comcast let the customers vote on which network we would rather have, the Golf Channel or Cartoon Network. Cartoon Network won by over a thousand votes. Comcast turns around and yanks Cartoon Network because they, "didn't feel that the voting was indicitive of the feelings of the majority of their consumers."

[Bez513]

I dumped Comcrap for DirecTV back in September. Best move I ever made. DirecTV is so much better with their online DVR scheduling, HD offering, etc. I also dropped Verizon for phone and picked up Vonage. If you'r looking for Vonage it's been great.

[Stealthbirds80]

I wish I could get FIOS, it is not yet available in my area. I saw that message light on my cable box this morning. I didn't even know that existed. Comcast why???

[WxKevin]

I actually never had any issues with Comast's internet the 7 or so years I had it. I had problems with the picture quality and their customer service. I called them about NFL Network when they put it on the sport tier and had a very bad experience.

I have had FIOS now since right before this past NFL season. Only had one issue which has not happened since. I did run into the issue with trying to record additional time as I was out during the Maryland game. I did set up to record the next show. Luckily the game finished in the allotted time.

[RavensDomination]

I am getting FIOS tomorrow, my Comcast internet speed is up and down like a roller coaster and there in no problem on my end, I'm 100% sure of it. Plus I can't wait to be able to watch my DVR'd shows in my bedroom instead of having to pay an extra 20 bucks a month to get another DVR box from Comcrap.

[Andon]

If they drop the NFL Network I will drop them!!

word

[HoustonRaven]

I dropped Comcast here as well. Picked up AT&T FiOS and will never go back.

I was worried that I'd lose speed on the internet access but I have to say I have not noticed anything slower other than downloading movies -- it tends to be a bit longer.

[Admin Steve]

I still have Comcast for phone internet and TV. We have two HD boxes, one with DVR but nothing else and pay $130 per month which isn't bad considering our phone bill used to be $50-$60. When it goes up, I call Comcast's retention dept and they cut the bill by 25%-30%. Last year, my bill was close to $150 without phone. I called them and got $130 with phone locked in for three years.

Fios is supposed to be coming to my corner of Harford County. I will definitely consider it but I have to say that all three services have been flawless for me. The phone is fantastic and any voice mails are emailed to me as an attachment.

[SHORTTRACK]

The last time I checked Verizon FIOS in AA County did not carry the NFL Network.

[Mista T]

Steve -- take a look at unbundling the Comcast phone in favor of Vonage. You may wind up with a cheaper deal. I looked into the "savings" of bundled 3-service deals with both Comcast and Verizon; neither matched the overall price of buying Vonage service separate from Comcast or Verizon TV and internet.

But even if not a savings, Vonage provides more bells & whistles. Especially the ability to have your phone simultaneously ring your cell and up to six other phones, without the call forwarding hassle. I now give out only my home office number anymore, but receive all calls made to my home office on my cell phone anywhere I go -- this feature has been 100% reliable. Also Vonage free calls to the UK and Continent, the second number for $5/month, the second line for $10/month, and the ability to take a USB phone jack with headphones with you on travel (I plan to use that gizmo on an upcoming trip to Greece to attain free incoming phone calls, with far superior voice quality over Skype).

[Beerracuda]

T,

I had Vonage for well over 3 years up until last fall. Overall, I have no complaints against them, and for 24.99/month (+taxes), it's really worth it, especially considering the ability to call half of Europe as well.

The reason I finally dumped Vonage? Comcast. As you know, Vonage only works when the internet does. Too often, Comcast was down, which meant no phone service. I finally had enough, and had to go back to regular landline service.

[sdeclue]

I'm planning on getting Verizon when I move into my new house. I can't stand Comcast and their customer service, and the fact that I'll get the NFL and MLB network makes it that much easier to switch.

[Mista T]

T,

I had Vonage for well over 3 years up until last fall. Overall, I have no complaints against them, and for 24.99/month (+taxes), it's really worth it, especially considering the ability to call half of Europe as well.

The reason I finally dumped Vonage? Comcast. As you know, Vonage only works when the internet does. Too often, Comcast was down, which meant no phone service. I finally had enough, and had to go back to regular landline service.

I faced the same issues when I had Comcast. Fortunately, Verizon came into our area a couple years ago - internet service and resultingly Vonage service have been perfect since then. I did keep a Verizon land-line at minimal service as well - it's about $12/month, plus $.10/call; after Tropical Storm Isabel shut down cell service and Comcast, only the land-line worked and my wife insisted that I keep it going!

[ravensnhokies]

As to DVR recording overage with FiOS, go to "Series Manager", then "Modify Series" to the pull down menu for start and end times. You can add 15 minutes to either end. I still also tape the next CBS show or two to cover possible OT.


So the most you can add is 15minutes to the beginning/end of each program? I'm sorry but having to record the next program to get a 30minute overage is really lame. Say you have a situation where the next program is the 4pm game in HD. That could take up your entire remaining DVR space. I am out all day on Sunday Gamedays a lot, and I like to record the NFLN, ESPN, and NBC highlight shows. If I had FIOS, there would have been numerous times when my DVR space would have been completely used up if I had to record the 1pm Ravens game, and then also the 4pm game to account for the overage. So, that would mean no space for those highlight shows. Look I am no huge Comcast fan, but I know Verizon uses a Motorola made DVR just like Comcast. Why the hell did they pick one that does not give you that option to record more than 15minutes over???

[italianjoker]

i am getting ready to switch myself and i am not sure who to go with. i hate Comcast, but they look to be the cheapest alternative. you can plug their wire directly into your TV and you get a signal for TVs in rooms that are just guest rooms. on DirectTV and Fios you have to pay $5 a room for a box to get the signal.

an HD DVR box is like $25 a month and then the movie channels are $15 a month for the bulk of them (no HBO or Cinemax) and then an extra $16 a month for HBO. i watch shows on HBO and Showtime so i would prefer to have them.

i would like opinions that are more with a straight mind and not a bunch of venom if anyone could lend some guidance here. i am pissing money away paying the ton i do for internet from Comcast and then DirectTV and Verizon phone service. thanks in advance.

[flraven]

I wish I had viable options here, but Comcast is the most reliable way to go. The two other cable providers have lousy service and don't carry NFLN. FiOS is not available here yet and AT&T/BellSouth internet flat-out sucks. I know people who have tried it and gone back to Comcast.
I can't do DirecTV because my place doesn't face southwest and the complex where I live doesn't want external equipment.
I'm thinking of buying a house here, maybe I'll go to the dish then.

I like NFLN for their Sunday pregame stuff. It comes on way earlier than the networks and ESPN.

[braven98]

I dumped Comcast two years ago, after enduring weekly or more frequent outages for many years -- often for a day or more -- and terrible internet service. I have yet to have an outage with FIOS, it is cheaper, more HD channels, and the internet hums. Based on just my experience, I am amazed that Comcast is still in business in Maryland.

As to DVR recording overage with FiOS, go to "Series Manager", then "Modify Series" to the pull down menu for start and end times. You can add 15 minutes to either end. I still also tape the next CBS show or two to cover possible OT.

As to the Comcast/NFL pissing match: a pox on both houses. They deserve each other. Since Congress has nothing else to worry about these days :261695: , watch a little heat be placed on the NFL by politicians. Betcha the NFL loses this round.

btw: NFLN has been a major disappointment to me. Why limit the replays to just 4 games? And every time I hear Deion Sanders open his mouth, I grab the mute button.
Do you need a box with each TV for fios?? I have 4 tvs just in my sports room

[italianjoker]

Do you need a box with each TV for fios?? I have 4 tvs just in my sports room

that is one of the main things i am curious on.

[Mista T]

If I had FIOS, there would have been numerous times when my DVR space would have been completely used up if I had to record the 1pm Ravens game, and then also the 4pm game to account for the overage. So, that would mean no space for those highlight shows. Look I am no huge Comcast fan, but I know Verizon uses a Motorola made DVR just like Comcast. Why the hell did they pick one that does not give you that option to record more than 15minutes over???

I don't understand your issue :229031_confused2: -- both firms use the same DVR boxes. There is more than enough room on the DVR for a Ravens game, plus OT, plus the 4 pm game -- and another 50-75 hours of programming.

=========================================


i am getting ready to switch myself and i am not sure who to go with. i hate Comcast, but they look to be the cheapest alternative. you can plug their wire directly into your TV and you get a signal for TVs in rooms that are just guest rooms. on DirectTV and Fios you have to pay $5 a room for a box to get the signal.

and


Do you need a box with each TV for fios?? I have 4 tvs just in my sports room

I have several TVs hooked up to the FiOS cable, without a converter box. Verizon provides three free converter boxes, then $5/box for the 4th or more. No premium channels, but I can receive High Definition signals for the local broadcast stations. However, the channel numbering without a converter box will give you a massive headache - there are hundreds of weird channels.

I have two DVRs, so I get premium programming on 5 TV sets without extra charges.

[Khaine]

Sounds like I should look into this FIOS thing... I have crimewarner and it is fairly asstastic.

No NFL network, no ticket, nothing...


Hey, I heard a rumor that the exclusive rights to sunday ticket my expire and other carriers may be able to get it. Has anyone else heard such madness (It came 3rd hand from The Wife so who knows - but she is usually smarter than I am :jester: )

[52decleetzu]

I am fine with comcast and their DVR,but if NFL network goes I go with it.

[Rayvens52]

Sounds like I should look into this FIOS thing... I have crimewarner and it is fairly asstastic.

No NFL network, no ticket, nothing...


Hey, I heard a rumor that the exclusive rights to sunday ticket my expire and other carriers may be able to get it. Has anyone else heard such madness (It came 3rd hand from The Wife so who knows - but she is usually smarter than I am :jester: )

It was up for grabs but direct tv locked it up again for 3 years I hate direct tv, and direct tv paid a ton for it

http://www.urlfan.com/local/nfl_lengthens_its_deal_with_direct_tv/181002273.html

[Beerracuda]

I can't do DirecTV because my place doesn't face southwest and the complex where I live doesn't want external equipment.


flraven,

I don't know about the regulations in the state of Florida, but I read somewhere that in MD, an apartment complex cannot stop you from having a satellite dish. They can set rules as to where it can be placed though. Where I live now, I rent a townhouse, and the rental company's policy is that any dish has to stay within range of the house (i.e. if in the back, no farther out than your patio; in the front, no further out than your stoop.) I read about this several years ago, so it's possible that regulation could've changed though.

Might wanna look into for Florida.

EDIT TO ADD: There actually is a federally mandated law by the FCC which prevents landlords from prohibiting you from installing a dish, as long as it's placed in an EXCLUSIVE AREA (meaning a balcony or patio which only you or your invited guests can occupy.)
Here's the official document:
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

[SHORTTRACK]

Comcast sent a message saying that the NFL is 'forcing' them to drop the NFL Network as part of their Premium Sports Package on May 1.

Did you get this in the mail? I have not received anything.

[italianjoker]

I have several TVs hooked up to the FiOS cable, without a converter box. Verizon provides three free converter boxes, then $5/box for the 4th or more. No premium channels, but I can receive High Definition signals for the local broadcast stations. However, the channel numbering without a converter box will give you a massive headache - there are hundreds of weird channels.

I have two DVRs, so I get premium programming on 5 TV sets without extra charges.

thanks T. so you do have TVs with the wire straight from the wall into your TV and you get a signal, but the channel numbers are a bit odd? just making sure i heard that correct. do you only get the local channels on that? or are things like Bravo, FX, TLC, Food Network, etc... also given with just the wire?

as for the free boxes, when i spoke to them they did not mention a word about a free box. may i ask, what is the charge per month for an HD DVR box? is it really $25 a month? maybe i spoke to a guy that was not clear at all. i asked a few times to confirm.

if you prefer to send a pm in reply, no problem. i greatly appreciate the info. thanks.

[flraven]

Beeracuda,
Thanks for the info. The apartment complex does allow dishes, and some apartments have them. My patio faces east-northeast and I need a southwestern exposure.

And yes, the dish has to be inside the patio/balcony.

[ace2die]

thanks T. so you do have TVs with the wire straight from the wall into your TV and you get a signal, but the channel numbers are a bit odd? just making sure i heard that correct. do you only get the local channels on that? or are things like Bravo, FX, TLC, Food Network, etc... also given with just the wire?

as for the free boxes, when i spoke to them they did not mention a word about a free box. may i ask, what is the charge per month for an HD DVR box? is it really $25 a month? maybe i spoke to a guy that was not clear at all. i asked a few times to confirm.

if you prefer to send a pm in reply, no problem. i greatly appreciate the info. thanks.

I know how these things work as I am an industry insider. Fios does require a box for non digtal/HD ready tvs, and they require large installation fees. If you call comcast and agree to their bundle for 12 months you can get a free DVR. It is acurrent promo. The packages range in price from 89 for basic to 199 for all of the channels. THe free DVR starts with the 114.99 package. This package gives you the full digital package with HBO and SHow I believe. For $4 extra you can get sports package with Fox college sports, NFL, NHL, NBA networks, cbs college sports and so on. They do allow you to use a speacil digital converter free(this is a cylinder that goes on the cable wire as a cheaper alternative to a box) in preperations for the DTV transition. COMcast has many optons availble you just have to give them a call.

[italianjoker]

I know how these things work as I am an industry insider. Fios does require a box for non digtal/HD ready tvs, and they require large installation fees. If you call comcast and agree to their bundle for 12 months you can get a free DVR. It is acurrent promo. The packages range in price from 89 for basic to 199 for all of the channels. THe free DVR starts with the 114.99 package. This package gives you the full digital package with HBO and SHow I believe. For $4 extra you can get sports package with Fox college sports, NFL, NHL, NBA networks, cbs college sports and so on. They do allow you to use a speacil digital converter free(this is a cylinder that goes on the cable wire as a cheaper alternative to a box) in preperations for the DTV transition. COMcast has many optons availble you just have to give them a call.

does Comcast have a multiroom DVR? i assume you need multiple DVR boxes in order for that multiroom stuff to work.

as for your opening statement on Fios, so if you TV is a newer TV that is HD/Digital ready you can just run the wire from the wall, correct? that is important to remember because i do have 2 TVs in bedrooms currently that are older TVs and i just have basic cable from Comcast running from the wall to the TV in those rooms. no converter. i believe this will still be fine even after the switch. am i incorrect on that?

[ace2die]

You are correct the should still work in the other bedrooms, no DVR function of course but the sets shoul dget the basic channels, and no comcast does not offer multiroom dvr. But they do offer multi room ondemand. You would need a second DVR but that does lead to more storage capacity.

[italianjoker]

You are correct the should still work in the other bedrooms, no DVR function of course but the sets shoul dget the basic channels, and no comcast does not offer multiroom dvr. But they do offer multi room ondemand. You would need a second DVR but that does lead to more storage capacity.

thanks for your time on this. i just want to make sure on your answers. i was asking if Fios allowed you to run the wire directly to the tvs the same way Comcast does. were you answering as to what Comcast can do? or were you saying that both offer the same type of thing when it comes to TVs without converter boxes? sorry, i just want to make sure we are both on the same page and i understand fully.

thanks again.

[Losac]

i was asking if Fios allowed you to run the wire directly to the tvs the same way Comcast does.

You can get a small digital converter box that just allows you to get the basic channels with none of the guide data. It looks like a cable modem.

I just got FIOS a few weeks ago - 2 HD boxes (one with DVR), one digital converter box, way more HD channels, all of the premium movie channels, 20/5 Internet service and nationwide phone service all together is cheaper than I paid Comcrap for 2 HD boxes with just HBO, slower internet and no phone.

[italianjoker]

You can get a small digital converter box that just allows you to get the basic channels with none of the guide data. It looks like a cable modem.

I just got FIOS a few weeks ago - 2 HD boxes (one with DVR), one digital converter box, way more HD channels, all of the premium movie channels, 20/5 Internet service and nationwide phone service all together is cheaper than I paid Comcrap for 2 HD boxes with just HBO, slower internet and no phone.

fair enough. thanks. sounds good.

so then you do need a box for the TVs, you can not just plug the wire directly in. when you are talking about the box, i assume you mean those boxes you buy that have been advertised due to the signal switch all stations are doing in June? or do you mean you need to rent their $5 a month boxes? i do not need a guide or anything on these extra TVs, just hoping to get more than the local channels.

thanks again.

[Losac]

fair enough. thanks. sounds good.

so then you do need a box for the TVs, you can not just plug the wire directly in. when you are talking about the box, i assume you mean those boxes you buy that have been advertised due to the signal switch all stations are doing in June? or do you mean you need to rent their $5 a month boxes? i do not need a guide or anything on these extra TVs, just hoping to get more than the local channels.

thanks again.

It's my understanding you can't plug the wire directly into the TV - you need the converter box. But call Verizon if you want to be sure. You do get more than just the local channels with it though - all the FIOS channels, just no guide data and you can't order the On Demand stuff, etc.

[italianjoker]

It's my understanding you can't plug the wire directly into the TV - you need the converter box. But call Verizon if you want to be sure. You do get more than just the local channels with it though - all the FIOS channels, just no guide data and you can't order the On Demand stuff, etc.

yeah, the guide data and other stuff does not bother me for those rooms. they would just be guest rooms. just not trying to pay $5 a month for rooms if i did not have to just to rent their box. sounds good though. thanks.

[Mista T]

fair enough. thanks. sounds good.

so then you do need a box for the TVs, you can not just plug the wire directly in. when you are talking about the box, i assume you mean those boxes you buy that have been advertised due to the signal switch all stations are doing in June? or do you mean you need to rent their $5 a month boxes? i do not need a guide or anything on these extra TVs, just hoping to get more than the local channels.

thanks again.

IJ: you are mixing apples and oranges. The over-the-air boxes, which convert the digital signals to old analog TV sets, work independently of cable. They require rabbit ears or an outside antenna. You live in/near the City, right? You may want to give these a shot, because the digital signal is very sharp. I have one TV hooked up to an amplified antenna and can watch Ravens games in HDTV without a cable box.

Then there are the small boxes (not the huge Motorola HDTV/DVR boxes) which you can use to get cable channels on old analog TVs. Verizon gives you three, and charges $5/month for extras. You cannot record, receive premium movie channels (e.g. HBO), or download movies via On-Demand with these small boxes.

I have two of the big Motorola HDTV/DVR boxes, three of the small digital/analog boxes, and a couple more TVs directly wired to FiOS. The only premium pricing is for the Motorola boxes.

Anyone telling you that you cannot directly connect a (digital) TV to FiOS, or that Verizon charges for the small boxes (except the 4th box), is incorrect.

Clear?:laugh:

[italianjoker]

IJ: you are mixing apples and oranges. The over-the-air boxes, which convert the digital signals to old analog TV sets, work independently of cable. They require rabbit ears or an outside antenna. You live in/near the City, right? You may want to give these a shot, because the digital signal is very sharp. I have one TV hooked up to an amplified antenna and can watch Ravens games in HDTV without a cable box.

Then there are the small boxes (not the huge Motorola HDTV/DVR boxes) which you can use to get cable channels on old analog TVs. Verizon gives you three, and charges $5/month for extras. You cannot record, receive premium movie channels (e.g. HBO), or download movies via On-Demand with these small boxes.

I have two of the big Motorola HDTV/DVR boxes, three of the small digital/analog boxes, and a couple more TVs directly wired to FiOS. The only premium pricing is for the Motorola boxes.

Anyone telling you that you cannot directly connect a (digital) TV to FiOS, or that Verizon charges for the small boxes (except the 4th box), is incorrect.

Clear?:laugh:

that definately clears it up for me. lol. and no, i live in the Middle River/White Marsh/ Essex/ some sort of hybrid area not the city. i did live downtown a ways back though.

basically, i have 3 tvs with wire from wall on comcast. gets basic cable channels.

then i have 1 tv with an HDDVR and 3 other tvs with basic boxes that get all channels, no DVR or HD ability(on those 3 little boxes) currently on DirectTV.

i would prefer to have all of it through 1 provider. from what you just said, it sounds like i could keep my current set up of how my TVs are attached to the wires coming in and i could get Verizon to provide everything. the person i spoke to on the phone sounded like an idiot and i thought they were incorrect, but i wanted to talk to a person that actually had service and did not know any personally. thanks again for your time and the info.

[Mista T]

IJ, just a caution about the direct wiring to FiOS: you will receive 100+ channels, mostly odd stuff. A lot of music channels as well. You will have to scroll through them and develop a menu of which ones. There is no channel guide. It's a little pain the ass, but worth it to avoid the extra $5 for the 4th etc TVs. It doesn't bother me because I have the TVs directly wired to FiOS always set on Channel 13 for Ravens games, otherwise they are either off or serve as monitors for kids video games or DVD players. Again, these are digital tuners -- I don't know if you can do it with analog tuners.

re Middle River: you are closer to TV Hill than I am, so you should have no problem receiving the digital signals over the air. If you wait until football season, I can show you at the tailgate party - I bought a portable HDTV for Ravens pregame, to use rabbit ears. Or, buy or borrow a digital converter box to try on your existing extra analog TVs. That would eliminate any issues about directly wiring to cable, as long as you would be satisfied with the broadcast channels for these TVs. The converter boxes cost $10 after the $40 gift rebate from Congress, and flat-laying unobtrusive rabbit ears cost $20. I can loan you one if you want -- I have a few extras right now. PM me if interested. (I'll be gone for a few weeks, though)

[Beerracuda]

Well, now Cavalier Telephone is offering a triple play of Phone, Internet, and Directv. For roughly the same price as VerizonFios.

I'm wondering if Cavalier will maintain phone service through Verizon equipment, like they currently do, or if this means they switch service to VOIP.

[italianjoker]

T, all sounds good. thanks. i do not need to borrow though, i appreciate the offer. sounds like Fios will be where i am going.

Beeracuda, beware of Cavalier. i have been fighting with them for over a year on a billing issue with my business lines. they charged me over $1700 in error and have yet to remove the charges even though various people at various levels all agree the money is supposed to be gone. this has been for a full year. if not for having a friend that works for them i would have been gone a long time ago.

[ravensnhokies]

I don't understand your issue :229031_confused2: -- both firms use the same DVR boxes. There is more than enough room on the DVR for a Ravens game, plus OT, plus the 4 pm game -- and another 50-75 hours of programming.



T let me explain.... I work a lot during the week so I can't watch my DVR recordings (24, Lost, CSIs...) until the weekends usually, but I still get behind. This means my DVR is always 50-60% full right before Sunday gameday. With FIOS, I would be forced to record 6 hrs of HD (the 1pm Ravens & all of the 4pm game b/c of the overage of the Ravens game). This would use up all of my remaining space, and means I can't record the 1hr NFLN, 1.5hr NBC highlight shows later on that nite. As I mentioned, the Comcast DVR allows you to record the 1pm Ravens game 30minutes or 1hr past the scheduled 4pm ending time. Having that 2hr extra space of recording time with the Comcast DVR vs. FIOS DVR is a pro on their side for me (and probably the only one, too). For someone that watches their recorded shows quickly and erases them off the hard drive, its a non factor, but for me, it does mean something.

[Tspot-D-Ravenator]

How am I going to watch those NFL games that the NFL Network carries on Thursday nights? I pay $5.00 extra a month for the extra sports channels that include NFLN! :mad: :thumbdown: I've been having trouble with my internet cutting off, dropped calls and cable outages when the wind blows! If they don't change their minds and continue carrying the NFL Network, I'm calling Verizon:word

BAD COMCAST:141847_smmackbottom BAD!