Verizon FIOS and Samsung TVs

[Huuuze]

I've read mixed reports on the compability of Verizon FIOS STBs and Samsung TVs.  I'm scheduled to have Verizon install FIOS at my home on Friday and I plan on purchasing a 26" Samsung LCD HDTV.

Long story short, are there any known issues with either this specific model or Samsung TVs in general?  I've searched the forums and I didn't see anything official from the Verizon tech support team.

[spacedebris]

Its Samsung TV's in general. Mostly its with HDMI connections. Hooking up using component cables is what Verizon generally does when connecting to Samsung TV's and that usually works fine. There are some other issues that span all TV's but the one that is Primarily a problem with Samsung is just the HDMI connection.

The Samsung issue is really a communication problem between Motorola and Samsung. And since Verizon currently only uses Motorola boxs, hence the problem. Motorola blames Samsung and Samsung blames motorola. My opinion is that the problem is on Samsungs side since the issue does not affect any other manufacturer (on this particular issue) but as of yet, I have not heard of any resolution. Only the workaround by using component cables rather than HDMI.

[Huuuze]

If I'm reading your post correctly, the issue is really hit-or-miss, correct?  Some Samsung models may experience a problem when connecting via HDMI, while others do not.

[CharlesH]

As of right now it is really hit and miss with different models of HDTV's.  Verizon and Motorola are working hard to resolve the issue soon though.

[Huuuze]

Does Verizon publish (or maintain) a list of the Samsung models that do not have the issue?

[jamieva]

Well it truly is hit or miss because I have had a 40" Samsung HDTV for almost 3 years now, 2 of those with Fios, and never had an issue with it being hooked to the box with only an HDMI cable.

[CharlesH]

We don't have such a list.

[FWPIII]

I have a 40 inch Samsung connected to fios  with an HDMI connection for about 6 months, no problems with the tv.

[patrout1]

So during my FIOS install to a Samsung Ln46A750 they supplied HDMI 1.3 cables.  Knowing the problem exists and all parties know there is a problem with Samsung TV's, HDMI and Motorola who is responsible for replacing my HDMI cable with component cables?

Andy

[spacedebris]

Exactly. Some have the issue, while others do not. Verizon genneraly errs on the side of caution and just hooks up all Samsungs with component cables now. But you may be one of the ones that have no problems at all. No way to tell until you do though.

[Swal1]

I think one of the problems when people try to connect thier Samsung TV to verizon fios is that Samsung TV's do not automaticly detect that you want to use HDMI port.. It not only doesn't detect the port it's not in the menu options. If you want to use the HDMI you have to click the source bottton on the remote then chose HDMI. I know this because my LG has an auto detect on which port you want to use and my best buy brand has the option in the menu. Samsung has neither. At least that was the problem with my conection. George.

[BOOOOMER]

Hi - new to the forum. The comments that I've read are very informative. Thanks everyone.

I just switched from cablevision to FIOS. My old set up: a Samsung  LN46A750 connected to a Yamaha RX-V863 AV Receiver via HDMI that was connected to a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD - also via HDMI.

Everything worked fine.

However when the FIOS installer connected the Motorola 7216 DVR to the AV reciver via the same HDMI cable the TV would go on for about 20 seconds and then go green(GSOD - Green Screen of Death??).

After a couple of minutes on the phone with tech support, the installer said there was no cure but was optomistic that one would be coming soon as this was a known problem.

So the installer connected the DVR directly to the TV via component cables bypassing the HDMI to the AV Receiver. The Tv works but with diminished clarity/resolution/color.

A bit of a dissapointment as its a step down in quality from our old set up. It's contrary to everything i've heard about FIOS

[airscapes1]

I posted this in another thread but if you are still using component give this a try and let us know what happens.

Turn everthing off and unplug the component cable

Turn off the STB

Plug in the HDMI cableto the TV and STB

Turn on the TV

Now if this worked for you as it does me, you should see the verizon screen saver saying your STB is in standby and to push menu.  Cross your fingers and do so.  

I am not using a new HD TV but and older DLP projector that worked fine with a 7100 box but does not handshake with the 6200 box that tech support sent me to replace a defecive (non HDMI issue) 7100 box.  

I do not turn the projector on and off like a tv, but unhook and put away after each use so this workaround may need to be done every time you turn your tv on, if it works at all.

If I was to just leave the STB on and plug in the HDMI cable and power up the projector, I get no picture.  Hope this helps someone who is using component against there will.

 NOTE:I am also using the RF output of the same box connected to a standard set.  Of course tech support says this is not supported and you need a box for every thing you connect.. give me a break....  funny how I can hook up more than one device to my DVD player at once.. 

Message Edited by airscapes1 on 07-30-2009 06:22 AM

Message Edited by airscapes1 on 07-30-2009 06:23 AM

[BOOOOMER]

Airscapes,

Thanks for the suggestion. I just tried a couple of sequences for turning the components on and off including the sequences you mentioned. got the screen asking me to "Push the Menu button" but the results are pretty consistent - normal TV for about 20 seconds then the blank green screen.

I'm back to the Component connection.

[airscapes1]

Sorry it didn't work.. I feel for you. 

[philhu]

I have FiOS, my Samsung works perfectly with it.

Oh wait,  I have a TivoHD with cable card.

🙂

[pderby]

BOOOOMER, give this a try:

Here is how you might solve the Samsung/Motorola STB synch problem:

• Enter the Set Top Box "User Settings" Mode
• • Start with your Motorola Set Top Box and HDTV both On.
  • On the front panel of your Motorola Set Top Box (not the remote control) press the following in quick succession: Power, Select, Menu.
  • You should now see a Menu in grey/black that is titled "User Settings"
• Using the buttons on the front of your Motorola STB adjust the following settings:
• • TV Type: Should be set to 16:9 for an HDTV
  • HDMI/YPbPr Output: Should be set to an appropriate HD setting (720P or 1080i)
  • 4:3 Override: Should be set to OFF (The problem with Samsung TV's occurs when this is set to 480i
• Exit the "User Settings" Menu by pressing the Power button on the front of the Motorola Set Top Box

If this works or doesn't work, let others know along with the exact model of your Samsung TV.  It worked with my Samsung 56" DLP TV.

[BOOOOMER]

pderby:

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately it didn't work. Green screen came on after 20 seconds. I also tried the other option - 480p as well .

My Samsung is an  LN46A750.

[nomados]

This worked for me (pderby), but my existing settings were as listed.

I change the 4:3 override to 480p, and so far so good.

Told verizon tech support that running component cables was not an acceptable fix for me. He told me to call billing and see if I cold get some loving that way.

LN52b750 & QIP 7216 P1 with Release 1.7 Build 09.83

Upgraded box and added HD channels for my new TV and thats when I started to get the freezes and stb reboots, no green screens though.

Hopefully this'll keep me happy 'til a true solution presents itself.

[IHatetheDolans]

---

@BOOOOMER wrote:

Hi - new to the forum. The comments that I've read are very informative. Thanks everyone.

I just switched from cablevision to FIOS. My old set up: a Samsung  LN46A750 connected to a Yamaha RX-V863 AV Receiver via HDMI that was connected to a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD - also via HDMI.

Everything worked fine.

However when the FIOS installer connected the Motorola 7216 DVR to the AV reciver via the same HDMI cable the TV would go on for about 20 seconds and then go green(GSOD - Green Screen of Death??).

After a couple of minutes on the phone with tech support, the installer said there was no cure but was optomistic that one would be coming soon as this was a known problem.

So the installer connected the DVR directly to the TV via component cables bypassing the HDMI to the AV Receiver. The Tv works but with diminished clarity/resolution/color.

A bit of a dissapointment as its a step down in quality from our old set up. It's contrary to everything i've heard about FIOS

---

Although there can be a difference between sources, there should not be a marked drop-off when going from HDMI to Component, or vice versa. You will find folks fall into one of three categories: HDMI is better, Componenet is better, or I can't tell the difference. One can argue about detail, color saturation, etc. and have a valid point in regards to either of these connections. However, if there is a noticiable degradation in picture quality across the board when you go from HDMI to Component, this suggests a calibration, cabling, or input problem. If clarity, resolution and color are affected, check your settings for that input and try matching them to the settings for the HDMI input. Also, if you have the means, try different cables to be sure that you are getting a good signal across the wire.

While your eye may find that the picture is not as "perfect" as the HDMI was, the difference should be subtle and be more of a preference issue rather than marked degradation. 

[dahlia1]

I have a new samsung LNT46B650 TV and I recently got FIOS. But the tiv flickers each time I switch it on. Called verizon and they admitted that the DVR box has issue with HDMI connections and asked me to buy component cables! come on.. I am paying $150 permonth and I have to buy morfe things? Why don't verizon say these issues before hooking up customers?? Pathetic....