Possible to switch out Fios set top box for my directv hddvr?

[gail159]

Hi,

I am new to Fios after being a longtime happy directv customer.  I recently moved in with a family that already has Verizon Fios set up, including my room.  They provided a set top box.  I need to upgrade to a dvr so I can start recording and using pause, rewind, etc.  After having that capability for so long, I really miss it.  It doesn't take long to get spoiled.  I am having withdrawal pains.   Does anyone know if I can switch out the set top box for my hddvr, and if so. how do I set it up?  I'll order one from Verizon if I have to, but of course, I would rather use the one I already have.

Can anyone help?

Thanks,

Gail

[BrianMcD]

The DirectTV Box will not work with Verizon FIOS, you will need a new DVR.

You MAY be able to hook up the DirectTDVR to play back content that you had previously recorded.

[TimSykes]

the only non fios DVRs that will work are ones with a cable card slot, like Tivos.

[gail159]

Thanks so much for your response. I figured it was worth a try.  I do have some taped programs on my directv dvr that I didn't have time to watch.  Would I try to hook it up like a dvd player, do you think?

[gail159]

Thanks, Tim.  That is what made me ask the question.  I saw some posts that were talking about the card so I thought it worth a shot to see if my dvr would work also.  At least now I know.

Thanks again for your quick response.

[spacedebris]

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@gail159 wrote:
Thanks so much for your response. I figured it was worth a try.  I do have some taped programs on my directv dvr that I didn't have time to watch.  Would I try to hook it up like a dvd player, do you think?

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yes, You would just connect the dvr up to the tv just like hooking up a dvd player, and then you could play the recordings that have already been recorded just fine. It just wont be able to decode verizons signal and record new programs.

[gail159]

Thanks for your help!

[pamcphilly]

You may or may not have problems hooking up the directv drv to your tv as I know it tries to connect via the satellite to get information and to verify your access card is valid.  Also if I remember correctly, being a current directv customer for TV, all DirecTV HD DVRs are leased from them and they will probably want their equipment back.  This is the case even if you think you bought a dvr at a retail chain like best buy.  The price you pay there is just an upfront lease charge.  I just wouldn't want you to get a surprise bill from DTV or have them report to any credit agencies.

[jumpin68ny]

On the contrary to returning the DirecTV gear, when I switched to FIOS TV I had two standard receivers and one DVR.  I got to keep them all.  They are sitting on a shelf collecting dust.

I do have a question though.... The DirecTV DVR I had was a TIVO unit.  Folks mentioned that the TIVO unit will work with FIOS.  Will a direcTV TIVO DVR work on the FIOS system?

Thanks, Jim