There is no Front Panel Display on the new model QIP7100-P2 HD box

[Txgolfer234]

I received a message on my screen that I needed to replace my HD set top box model QIP6200 so I requested a new box. The new box does not have a front panel display option in setting to allow you to show the clock. I called Verizon and the csr rep said the upgraded model does not have that option. Why did they take that option away in the new model? Can a software change be made to add it?  I would rather keep my old box as there was nothing wrong with it and it showed the clock and channel on the front display. This was a poor design decision on the new model.

[lacticacidtrip]

To the best of my understanding from reading many posts on here, the best answers I can come up with to your questions are as follows:

Verizon is supposed to be upgrading its signal format for several of its HD channels that will prevent your old box from decoding them. This is why they are upgrading you to a new box. As for the 7100-P2, Verizon was attempting to make a smaller, more sleek-looking and energy efficient STB. While I could be wrong about this next statement, I believe that this model could also be set either flat or on-end (like a book). If you set this box on-end then the clock display would have been very hard to read. There is no software update that can fix this issue because there is no LCD display on the front of the box to display the numbers. And yes, there are complaints all over these forums regarding the lack of clock display on this model. It would have served Verizon well to have consulted with its customers before making this change.

There are 2 other models of HD STB that can receive the new signal and have a front-panel clock display. But unless you have a Verizon FiOS store nearby that would be willing to let you swap for one of those, requesting another exchange for your functional 7100-P2 may or may not be free. And you could just end up with another 7100-P2.

Hope this helps.

[Skymatone]

I completely agree! I dont remember asking for a box with no clock on it.  I relied on the clock in nearly every room of the house, now they are all gone!! Verizon should provide us with additional alarm clocks to place next to each STB.  Since I was a kid the cable box has always displayed the time, now Verizon decides that we don't get to have it! (How about an option to turn off the clock for people that choose to do so!)

[JJR-NY]

This page http://www.verizon.com/Support/Residential/TV/fiostv/receivers/equipment+issues/top+questions.htm

lists the currently available HD STB's with links to pictures and dimensions.  The Cisco CHS335HD looks like the QIP7100P2 (flat black front), has a display and is only slightly larger.  The two other Motorola boxes are much larger and have that old space age dashboard look.  All except my P2 have displays.   There is a Verizon walk-in facility near me so I will go and see what's available.  The website order page does not distinguish between models, so if you are not near a Verizon facility, calling and requesting a specific model is preferable.  

[JJR-NY]

As you suggested, you are wrong about standing the "P2"  on its edge like a book.  Both ends contain multiple cooling slots, presumably necessary. 

[CRobGauth]

Keep in mind that you can't mix and match vendors (Motorola and Cisco).

And not all areas support Cisco.

[Capt767]

No front display and doing aaway with the Weather cdhannel are very dumb moves by Verizon.  Who thought it was a good idea to do this?

[ElizabethS]

As this thread is now over two years old, it will be locked in order to keep discussions current. If you have the same or a similar question/issue we invite you to start a new thread on the topic.