You must be referring to the Home Media DVR Feature / Multi-Room Feature, and I agree it is lacking. I removed the Home Media DVR Feature when I realized it could not down convert HD recordings to SD for playback on a SD box (QIP-2500), plus I save $7/month. I have also heard that the QIP-6200 cannot playback recordings (from the QIP-6416), but a fix is in the works. In its current state, the ability to view/play pictures from a PC is a bonus, but the sharing of recorded material is really only useful if you record mostly SD and have multiple standard set top boxes to replay the recordings. Keep in mind this feature is still in its infancy and not many providers offer a such a service.

For those confused by the Home Media DVR Feature, let me try to explain: The FiOS DVR box plays and records HD and SD content. This is the QIP-6416. For an additional $7/month ($12.95 vs $19.95) the Home Media DVR features can be enabled. There is no hardware difference. The Home Media DVR feature allows recorded content to be played back on any standard set top box (QIP-2500) in the house. It does not currently work with the non-DVR HD set top box (QIP-6200). Also, the Home Media DVR feature can access pictures and music on any computer connected to the network with the correct software installed.

In this case I would forgo the Home Media DVR and perhaps swap your motorola 6200 with another DVR box (6416). This would net a $4/month savings.

As for recording special events like football games, yes its a good idea to extend the recording or record the following program. If you watching just slightly behind, you can also have the tuner set on the right channel and pause it for a while, so that you can skip through commercials and catch up by the end of the game.

I'm not sure what you mean regarding the signal for a box in husband's office. Is this at a different address?

I absolutely agree that customer service is a mess with all the departments. If and when you get FiOS TV set, you don't have to worry about calling in. For FiOS billing and account setup, ask to be connected to the FiOS Encore department regarding an existing issue. The reps in all other departments will only make things worse.

The biggest problem with FiOS is the customer service, mostly due to its inherent complexity. As for the service itself I don't think there is anything else more reliable. Cable is prone to outages, at least from my experience. Satellite rarely has a system outage, but heavy clouds can disrupt service many times a year. I've yet to have any kind of outage with my FiOS service.

I too about to switch to FIOS from Cablevision/DirecTV. They gave me great promotion by outfiiting all my TV's (5) with HD DVR with one of them being the Home Media service, so I believe viewing HD content on either machine will be a problem. Their internet service is a plus at 20/5 speeds, remember Cablevsion speed can fluctuate depending on usage in your area. I have seen FIOS in action at my n-laws house and their menu is by far superb and FAST. My DirecTV menus take too long comparable to Cablevision. Make sure you get the right department and mention you either going to forgo the installation scheduled and stay put with cable/satellite and watch additional promotion(s)/credits come rolling in (hint)...I received a permanent credit of $12 for 24 months AND a one time first bill credit of $100!...no installation charges/set up fees.