USING FIOS WITHOUT STB

[8411user]

Please can someone recommend a 20-32 inch TV for USING FIOS WITHOUT a STB?  I currently have multiple TVs that use set to boxes but one TV has died and I'd like to replace it with one that doesn't have to use a set top box b/c I want to mount the new one to a wall (I know I'll need to buy a bracket) rather than have it on a shelf with a set top box. 

Doesn't need to be expensive, super 4K or whatever, or work while connected to internet/wifi, just a basic flat screen.

Thanks

[dexman]

For clarification purposes, without an STB, the television would need to utilize streaming services.

Televisions that can access Verizon's cable television platform without using an STB do not exist.

That said, while there are televisions smaller than 32",  I would make that the smallest.

Samsung, TCL & LG come to mind.

[8411user]

So, is this thread from a super user in 2020 incorrect?

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Fios-TV/USING-FIOS-WITHOUT-STB/td-p/1523778

[dexman]

No....the post is correct for channels available OTA. Channels that are NOT available OTA can't be received in this manner.

[clem21]

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@8411user wrote:

So, is this thread from a super user in 2020 incorrect?

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Fios-TV/USING-FIOS-WITHOUT-STB/td-p/1523778

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Look here for good recommendations for TV's. Look by size and they will list their choices.

rtings.com

As far as getting service without a box, it would be as was said mostly OTA. You can try using the coax plugged into the antenna input of the TV and scan for digital channels, but you may not see anything. Or try an antenna for OTA. If the TV has streaming capabilities built in you should be able to do that for content. Also you could add a streaming device to the TV if it doesn't have the capability.

[clem21]

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@8411user wrote:

Please can someone recommend a 20-32 inch TV for USING FIOS WITHOUT a STB?  I currently have multiple TVs that use set to boxes but one TV has died and I'd like to replace it with one that doesn't have to use a set top box b/c I want to mount the new one to a wall (I know I'll need to buy a bracket) rather than have it on a shelf with a set top box. 

Doesn't need to be expensive, super 4K or whatever, or work while connected to internet/wifi, just a basic flat screen.

Thanks

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Just thought of it, but you could mount the Mini to the back of the TV or the Wall mount bracket with velcro. That way it would be hidden, and the TV will still get everything you pay for.

[8411user]

Sorry, for what may sound like a dumb question.  But, what is "the Mini"?

Thanks.

Edit

Oh, OK, I found this at https://www.verizon.com/home/fios-dvr/

That may be the solution.  This new box connects to Wifi (no coax), then connects to the TV.  So, it's smaller, less obtrusive than the "big" regular sized FIOS TV box.  I get it.  And makes it a little easier.  I guess some follow ups to that are

1) Do I get "all" channels via this device e.g. OTA channels, local access, etc. "just like the regular box" or is this Verizon's version of a Roku/Apple TV/Fire Stick type device?

2) Does the remote need line of site to the box?  Could the box be mounted to the back of the TV/hidden behind the TV with and still connect to/communicate with the remote?

[dexman]

There are two different STBs associated with 4100 series hardware.

The VMS (the main unit) contains a hard drive and five tuners.

The remote (mini) is somewhat smaller than the VMS in that it doesn't contain a drive or a tuner.

For subscribers to Fios cable television service. Verizon would provide a VMS for the first television and minis for subsequent televisions.

The VMS needs to connect to a Verizon Fios router using RG6 coaxial cable. The mini/remote can connect via coax, Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

The Fios One. If it is what I think it is, is a streaming service device.

[8411user]

Umm, not in my case.  All TVs in my house have a box like the image below (they're actually black). Each box currently connects back to the basement FIOS rigamarole via Coax cable.

No other boxes in my house of any type.  Certainly no FIOS boxes of any type connected via Wifi or Ethernet. 

"For subscribers to Fios cable television service. Verizon would provide a VMS for the first television and minis for subsequent televisions."  That's not what I have.  I have the above described boxes (see photo again, below) and none of them even closely resemble a 'mini" anything.

"The Fios One. If it is what I think it is, is a streaming service device." 

I don't know what Fios One is/means.  Is that a service?  Is that a box?  Is that _________? 

I don't want a streaming service device.  FIOS TV without a STB seems to be not doable. 

Perhaps the "Mini" referred to by others is what is needed.  If that's the case, I still have the questions above about the "Mini" box.

[dexman]

I see two pictures in queue for Moderator review. This is the 4100 mini here in my bedroom.

 

 

[dexman]

Ah! You have an old Motorola STB. I will post a picture of the VMS shortly.

[8411user]

Does that really matter what you have?  I'm looking for what I thing is a pretty simple solution to a pretty simple problem.  I've looking to get a new TV and have all the same channels on it that I previously had on my old TV using an older model large STB without the large STB.  I think I understand that even today's modern tv's still need a STB to have all the channels.  Someone proposed a smaller version of the box, which I'm happy to explore as an option if my basic questions are answered. 

A fast reply to a chat/message with things inapplicable really isn't helpful.

[dexman]

 This is the main unit (VMS) I will try to address the other points shortly.

[dexman]

The existing television can be replaced with something newer as long as it has the ability to accept the cables used by the STB...or purchase an adapter if needed.

[clem21 · Accepted solution]

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@8411user wrote:

Does that really matter what you have?  I'm looking for what I thing is a pretty simple solution to a pretty simple problem.  I've looking to get a new TV and have all the same channels on it that I previously had on my old TV using an older model large STB without the large STB.  I think I understand that even today's modern tv's still need a STB to have all the channels.  Someone proposed a smaller version of the box, which I'm happy to explore as an option if my basic questions are answered. 

A fast reply to a chat/message with things inapplicable really isn't helpful.

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As I said earlier, you need to get some type of Fios box to get all the channels you now get with the boxes you have. Unfortunately you have older legacy boxes that require cable to every box to work. The newer Fios One boxes only require cable to the main (VMS) units, and the satellite (mini) boxes can be wired with coax, ethernet or go WiFi in some cases. If I understand what you want to do is get ALL channels you have to a TV without cable or boxes. Not possible on Fios, a box is needed for that. You would most likely upgrade to Fios one boxes and as I said could velcro a mini to the back of your new TV, and try it wirelessly. The boxes are FAR smaller now, the mini is slightly larger than a paperback book.  They work great when wired, some people have issues using WiFi but you could try it and see. I'm not sure if your monthly bill will go up though as they will probably get you into a new contract to upgrade the boxes. Your router may also need to be upgraded, depending on which model it is. Check here to see if you can upgrade or not:

https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/tv/equipment/stb-dvr/fios-tv-one

Here is an info review of the Fios One boxes:

https://www.catv.org/verizon-fios-tv-one-review/