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What is the real difference with Fios TV service?

oldfashioned

I'm throwing this out as a basic, general question, only because I've been kind of wondering about this since the beginning. I'm not about to cancel any of my Verizon Fios services but I just wanted to know and let's use Cablevision as an example. Cablevision uses copper wires for its cable service but Verizon uses fiber optics for its cable service. Right? Or am I really not supposed to refer to Verizon Fios TV as "cable" service?

I'm just trying to understand what the major difference is between the two only because when I look at the TV programs on the TVs at my parents' house, the picture quality really looks the same as the quality that I see on my own TV, putting aside the obvious differences with the TV Guide display and the synopses of the programs; and my access to "widgets" which I admit to using just if I want to get the weather really quick. And my selection of TV channels is almost the same as theirs, with the except of Verizon Fios 1 for local news, traffic, and weather reports.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is this: From a user's perspective, what is the major discernible difference, if any? Am I the only one who thinks that the picture looks the same between the two? My use of the service is not as involved or as detailed as the way other people here are using it but I'm really just curious.

Comments

lou611661

In terms of picture,you will not see much of a picture difference between cable and Fios,as for nothing is broadcast in true 1080p,but when and if they do start The fiber will easily handle the bandwith,where Fios shine is in internet speeds.

oldfashioned

There is definitely no question about the Fios internet speed.

smith6612

When it comes to it, the thing really putting FiOS TV apart from the rest of the services is really picture quality and the features offered. Video On Demand via FiOS should be superior in every aspect when it comes to the picture quality. FiOS isn't limited by QAM Channels as to how big of a VOD stream that can be delivered, and it also isn't limited when it comes down to how much Internet connectivity is available for VOD. Like you stated, there's no difference, FiOS beats Cable hands down in this department.

If Cablevision and the Satellite guys are starting to offer features that Verizon has with FiOS TV such as Widgets and 1080p streaming of VOD, it will the basically come down to the better picture quality. In my area, we have Time Warner Cable, Dish Network, DirecTV, FiOS TV and IPTV Providers (if you can even find one around). It's hard to see the difference in HD Quality between Cable, Satellite, and FiOS TV, but ultimately it depends on how good of a TV set you have and your eyes. Standard Definition Television, FiOS should shine above Satellite, which beats Cable in the Standard Definition department (unless things have changed since I last had Cable in my house). As far as HD goes, comparing Dish Network to DirecTV, DirecTV certainly seems to have Dish beat. Their channels don't seem to give compression artifacts as much. FiOS and Time Warner seem to be rivaling each other in who can get the best HD out of their network. Technically, FiOS should be able to beat Time Warner but at the moment I believe both providers are matching each other in my area and are in fact limited by the feed coming from the network.

I'd compare Audio Quality between every service, but I can say off the bat that depending on the channel, Cable and FiOS will shine over Satellite. Satellite does beat Cable in the Audio quality department from time to time. I wish I could do a better comparison, but without having FiOS available at my home and getting Time Warner to replace the cable drop coming to my home which had gotten cut (the people who buried it didn't bury it deep enough! Two inches from the surface with no conduit!) I can't really compare anything. FiOS should shine over both services but the case between the stations probably depends on the feed from the station. Audio doesn't need much at all as compared to video. Everyone seems to either have these tiny built-in TV speakers or Home Theater in a Box setups that really kill off any ability to compare sound.

It really depends on the area though. If you're pleased with FiOS TV, stick with them. It's the only advice I can really give that is solid. Everything else is a matter of choice and opinion.

oldfashioned

I'm keeping what I have anyway. I only went with the Fios because it was being offered here in my complex and I already had the DSL. I couldn't stand trying to watch my old analog TV with that converter box which was garbage. I didn't shop around to compare deals from other providers. As long as everything is working, I don't care much about the little stuff.

Thanks for trying to explain the difference.

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