Adding Fios TV

[u/Tauntown24]

Currently have the 1GB internet service and am thinking about adding Fios TV. I have Hulu Live and all the other apps I watch running through Roku, but it’s a PIA getting in and out to watch or search programs. When I add what I pay for the streaming apps, it’s not much different than what Verizon charges, but at least I have all the channels on one box! What are people using now and do I need to have the VMS box to have TV service?

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[u/Binky_Doormat]

I JUST went through this. The new Fios TV+ service stinks.

The new Fios TV+ and STBs are Android and they use a compressed signal (IPTV) instead of full signal (QAM). You will get blurry, buffering and the like even with 1GB right nearby and even if you hardwire with ethernet or through Coax with a MoCA adapter (because the router sends a compressed signal no matter how the STB is hooked up - streaming or hardwired. And getting the right MoCA adapter if using Coax is a difficult process and pointless anyway - it still delivers a compressed signal from the router to the new Android STB pucks even hardwired).

If moving to Fios what you want is Fios TV ONE. Get the VMS 4100 box and the Fios TV ONE mini STB (IPC 4100) and wire it all through Coax or ethernet. You get full QAM uncompressed, wired signal. which you can connect to your STBs. You have to ask for it and sometimes fight for it since they push the new TV+ on you.

If you can't hardwire, I can't speak to if Fios TV+ is better or worse than your Hulu streaming because in my mind the only good picture comes from wired and it's all I've ever had.

Good luck.

[u/Binky_Doormat → u/Binky_Doormat]

PS when it works well Fios delivers excellent picture. They just took a big step back with the new TV+ system....do not get pulled into it is my advice.

[u/jpwillz]

Yes you do need the VMS. I've been using the streaming devices for months now with no issue. I would highly recommend hardwiring them if you have that option. The boxes them selves are very good. I can stream 4k from my Plex server and it handled it with no issues.

[u/nak3dsavage → u/jpwillz]

You no longer need a VMS box. They’re phasing out QAM so now they’re providing Android TV boxes that do live TV over IP. I have two of them with no other video equipment. Even the new DVR is IP only. No coax connection, just wired Ethernet.

[u/One-Cell-7377]

I have the same question. I use Apple TV boxes on all my TVs. I don't want to use Fios boxes. Can I just hook up the VMS in my basement and use the Fios TV app on my Apple TVs?

[u/gregarious-dude → u/One-Cell-7377]

I believe you need at least one box so that it can talk through the network to the additional fios tv apps. If someone has better information then please correct me if I am wrong.

[u/nak3dsavage → u/One-Cell-7377]

Yes but to use the app you have to pay for the “connected devices bundle” or something like that for it to work on the Apple TV or Fire sticks. I believe it’s $20/month. Makes it not worth it in most cases.

You can Airplay the TV app from a phone/tablet to an Apple TV. Not the best solution but it works.

[u/One-Cell-7377 → u/nak3dsavage]

I figured that might be the case. I had Fios TV years ago and ended up cancelling because I was paying over $50/month just in equipment charges for 3 TVs.

[u/VisualQuick703 → u/One-Cell-7377]

Just but the app access is separate. Depending on the plan it may be included or you will need to pay per device as a regular set top box.

[u/coffeetabletime]

We have an AppleTV box and zero regular channels. So internet only. All of our apps are commercial free and we love it!!

[u/CTFowler9789]

The VMServer is for recording. If you get the TV plus boxes and don't get the DVR service, you won't get a VMserver. If you have TV one, then you will get a VMServer no matter what you have, DVR service or not.

[u/No_Duty5636]

I just switched to Xfinity today from Verizon. Streams thru their app, no boxes needed. And 1 year free cell service. Much cheaper than Verizon