Upgrade to Quantum? Looking for advice....

[eljefe2]

I'm considering upgrading to upgrade to Quantum TV - Enhanced Service.  The one and only reason I'm thinking of upgrading is being able to record more than 2 programs at once on our DVR.  I'm at the point in my life, though, where I try to resist fixing something that ain't broken.  Aside from the limitation of only being able to record two programs at once, I'm 100% satisfied with our FiOS service.

It seems that when ordering the new equipment for the DVR upgrade, you also have to get a Quantum router.  I'm satisfied with my Actiontec Rev I router, which I have configured in a fairly complex manner.  I actually have two Rev I's, one I bought and one that belongs to Verizon, thus if I was sent a Quantum router I could return their Actiontec but keep one in service.

So here's the question/reason for this post:  When using the Quantum TV set-top boxes, must you also use the Quantum router?  Or could I leave the Quantum router in the box and leave my Actiontec Rev I in service?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[SinCara · Accepted solution]

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@eljefe wrote:

I'm considering upgrading to upgrade to Quantum TV - Enhanced Service.  The one and only reason I'm thinking of upgrading is being able to record more than 2 programs at once on our DVR.  I'm at the point in my life, though, where I try to resist fixing something that ain't broken.  Aside from the limitation of only being able to record two programs at once, I'm 100% satisfied with our FiOS service.

It seems that when ordering the new equipment for the DVR upgrade, you also have to get a Quantum router.  I'm satisfied with my Actiontec Rev I router, which I have configured in a fairly complex manner.  I actually have two Rev I's, one I bought and one that belongs to Verizon, thus if I was sent a Quantum router I could return their Actiontec but keep one in service.

So here's the question/reason for this post:  When using the Quantum TV set-top boxes, must you also use the Quantum router?  Or could I leave the Quantum router in the box and leave my Actiontec Rev I in service?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

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You don't need the Quantum Gateway router for Quantum tv. All you need as a minimum is the Rev. i which you have so it will work fine. The quantum service itself has gone through several updates and personally I enjoy it. There's also another big update coming the end of May if all of the testing goes well and it will have a lot more features.

[eljefe2]

Thanks SinCara!

I'm going to try to place the order for the Quantum set-top boxes without the router.

Looking forward to fixing that which isn't broken.  🙂

edit / update:

I went ahead and ordered the update.  However, I was unable to order the set-top boxes without the Quantum router, either via the website or talking to a rep on the phone.

The rep (who was very pleasant and helpful) told me she doesn't think the Quantum TV service will work without the Quantum router, but if it does, I can just send the Quantum router back.  So assuming SinCara is right....that's what I'll be doing.

I'll try to update this thread further once I get the next boxes, lest it may help someone else with the same question(s) in the future.

[SinCara]

Clearly that rep. doesn't know what they are talking about or they are simply saying it to cover it up. Many use the Rev. i with quantum right now and the rev. i was the only router that was out when quantum service itself came out.

I myself was using the rev. i with it, but I did later on purchase the gateway as I wanted dual band.

It's interesting that Verizon is now pushing the gateway routers as being required for it and making you select it. I guess that's them trying to get as much money out of someone as possible.

Their reps. should not be saying things like they don't think the service will work without it though.

You can indeed send it back when you get it.

One tip I will suggest for quantum tv is check any splitters that you have in your place. Make sure they are moca 2.0. If they are non moca 2.0 and older then you may have issues with quantum service.

There are a lot of people who have older slplitters though and don't have issues at all so I'd just check and if you have issues down the road I'd switch them out.

You can buy them cheap or some have called Verizon and have had them send them out for no charge.

Some have also received new splitters in the box with the equipment while others haven't so you may or may not get one when you get all of it.

[eljefe2]

All duly noted.  I will report back, hopefully after, not during, the install.  🙂

Thanks again.

[eljefe2]

Update:

Got the shipment from Verizon today.  Fast service.  Only two days after I placed the order.  The question about the Gateway router was answered and SinCara was right.

The  box that was labelled as containing the router was empty, except for a large sheet that said:

We noticed you did not order a router, which is okay if:

*You are using one of the approved models shown below.

Shown below, the Model MI414WR Rev-I

I've replaced the 3 "media clients" we have.  Tonight we're going to binge watch recorded programs and tomorrow I'll connect the "media server" and fire everything up.

Keeping my fingers crossed for good news.

[CRobGauth]

You can connect the media server and still watch what is on your old DVR this way:

1) Disconnect old DVR from coax (do not power off).

2) Go ahead and connect up and activate Media Server (make sure IPCs are turned off)

3) Connect Media Server to a second input to your TV.

4) You can watch what you have recorded on your DVR as long as it doesn't lose power.

Gives you a little more time to watch it and yet still enjoy Quantum.

Just make sure you return the DVR and any other boxes in enough time to meet the 30 day return limit.

Good Luck.

[eljefe2]

Thanks CRobGauth.

I actually have already disconnected the old DVR but I may try connecting it to another input on our TV, powering it up, and seeing it if will still play the recordings on it.

BTW, let me add an experience I had that may help someone else in the future.

When I went through the steps of initiating the new Quantum "Media Server,"  it had a step where it asked if I wanted to import settings from another box.  I skipped that step because I assumed there would be a menu choice to input from the cloud, since I had used the menu on the old STB to save settings to the cloud.

But no, the Quantum Media server has no import from cloud menu choice.  I was thinking I'd have to create our favorites list, recordings schedules, etc, from scratch.  Not a happy prospect.  But before starting that I came to the forum, searched, and found another thread where the problem is described. 

That thread suggested calling tech support and having them do a "cold init," to start the initialization process from scratch.  I made the call, got through to a very helpful tech fairly promptly, and he solved the problem for me.

He had me to to the Media Server's menu, Settings > Systemin Info, and then type in the number 2618.  That brought up the a window asking if I wanted to import settings from another box.  I selected the old STB's name and presto...done in 10 or 15 seconds.

So after that, swapping in and then initiating the new STPs in our other rooms went easily.  I'm looking forward to enjoying some of Quantum's new features.

Spoiler

[SinCara]

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@eljefe wrote:

Thanks CRobGauth.

I actually have already disconnected the old DVR but I may try connecting it to another input on our TV, powering it up, and seeing it if will still play the recordings on it.

BTW, let me add an experience I had that may help someone else in the future.

When I went through the steps of initiating the new Quantum "Media Server,"  it had a step where it asked if I wanted to import settings from another box.  I skipped that step because I assumed there would be a menu choice to input from the cloud, since I had used the menu on the old STB to save settings to the cloud.

But no, the Quantum Media server has no import from cloud menu choice.  I was thinking I'd have to create our favorites list, recordings schedules, etc, from scratch.  Not a happy prospect.  But before starting that I came to the forum, searched, and found another thread where the problem is described. 

That thread suggested calling tech support and having them do a "cold init," to start the initialization process from scratch.  I made the call, got through to a very helpful tech fairly promptly, and he solved the problem for me.

He had me to to the Media Server's menu, Settings > Systemin Info, and then type in the number 2618.  That brought up the a window asking if I wanted to import settings from another box.  I selected the old STB's name and presto...done in 10 or 15 seconds.

So after that, swapping in and then initiating the new STPs in our other rooms went easily.  I'm looking forward to enjoying some of Quantum's new features.

Spoiler

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Just for future reference, you don't need to call into to do a cold int..

All you have to do is the following:

1. Unplug the box.
2. Plug the box back in and begin pressing MENU  right away fast until you see the word "run".
3. Using the down arrow button, keep pushing until you see the word "Cold".
4. When you have the word "Cold" on the display, hit "OK".
5. The box will go through the activation process over again.

Also, if you ever need to access the hidden menu for any reason  just hold the d button down on the remote while the box is on for about 10 seconds then let go. It will pop up.