New install complete, but...
Shabbis
Enthusiast - Level 2

I received the older 6416 model. So I asked the tech about the newer 7216 and he said that the 6416 is better as the 7216 is still pretty buggy. Is this true? Should I call Verizon and ask for a 7216? If they ever do add the option for an external hard drive, will this be only for the 7216? Are the any differences between the two?

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Re: New install complete, but...
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@Shabbis wrote:

I received the older 6416 model. So I asked the tech about the newer 7216 and he said that the 6416 is better as the 7216 is still pretty buggy. Is this true? Should I call Verizon and ask for a 7216? If they ever do add the option for an external hard drive, will this be only for the 7216? Are the any differences between the two?


The representative was correct.  The 6416 is the DVR to have for now.  The current software for the 6416 significantly degrades the output quality of SD channels (a fix is apparently in the works), but this does not affect the functionality or usability of the DVR.  In contrast, the 7216 has a bug which causes the intermittent loss of the tuners (and thereby the ability to watch and record TV) until you unplug the unit; this obviously does affect the functionality and usability of the DVR.  The 7216 also has some bugs related to audio (no sound and/or out-of-sync audio).

@THE 7216 is essentially newer version of the 6416 with an updated CPU that adds support for MPEG-4 AVC and VC-1.  Verizon does not have any MPEG-4 or VC-1 channels, so for now, that capability is unused.   The CPUs are comparable in performance (both run @ 300 MHz).   Verizon is also ordering all 7216 DVRs with a eSATA connection, whereas only 1/3 or 1/4 of their 6416 DVRs have the eSATA connection.

Neither box supports eSATA expansion at this point.   It's unclear if/when that feature will be supported on the 7216 and 6416.  Motorola has reportedly been working on that feature for years, but has yet to make it available to any cable provider.  Comcast, Cox, Time Warner, and others are also waiting for Motorola to add that capability to their DVRs.

Message Edited by KenAF on 01-08-2009 03:02 AM
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