I have 10 TVs I am not home right now, so don't know the model numbers of the converters, but the first one is the DVR recorder (you don't need TIVO anymore--this DVR is better, easier to use and a lot cheaper), 5 converters that are what I call "full" service--you can view the program guide,see the programs recorded on the DVR, and record programs to the DVR--, and three additional basic digital converters. These three permit you to view all the channels being broadcast at the time, but you don't get the computer-type services, like the ability to view the programs recorded on the DVR, or see the program guide. My promo package included three of these additional basic converters free. I believe you can add any number of these, although if you have too many sets, there may be difficulty getting a sufficiently strong signal throughout the house to all of them.
On pricing, the cost is approximately the same as with the cable company. It is hard to compare exactly, because the cable company keeps raising its price. However, when you call the cable company to cancel, the cable company rep will offer you a sizeable discount to stay with, or return to, the cable company. The cable company will even pay any fees charged by Verizon when you cancel the FIOS to return to the cable company! Some of my friends ordered FIOS and then stayed with the cable company at the lower rates.
One nice aspect of the FIOS installation: Verizon spent almost 12 hours at my house. In the process, the Verizon technician replaced all of my old 75 ohm cable with upgraded cables, replaced almost all of the connectors, checked the splitters and amplifiers and in general upgraded the entire wiring system for free. (I will keep that benefit even if I go back to the cable company.)
The system includes a free 24 battery back-up for the telephone service. The telephone service does not go through the modem--it is NOT VOIP, so you can use data services like FAX, burglar and fire alarms, etc., with it (not always do-able with cable or VOIP telephone services). Also, if the internet service goes down (for example, during a power outage), the telephone service does not (so my fire and burglar alarm, which have their own power backups,and continue to work during power outages, can still dial out emergency messages).
One problem with the WI-Fi modem: it is not compatible with LINKSYS or other manufacturers' repeaters and extenders. Nor does Motorola have any such devices. If the Wi-FI signal does not reach parts of your house, you are out of luck, unless you can run a CAT5 from the modem to that part of the house. If you can, you can then add a WAP unit to extend the signal. Alternatively, try to get the Verizon technician to install the modem in a central location in the house, even if it is not next to your computer (it doesn't have to be).
Finally, expect to spend many hours with billing. Although my promo offered combined TV, internet and telephone for $98 s month, this does not include taxes and fees, the rentals of the converters, movie and sports packages, premium services and, most important, installation charges. You can negotiate to get rid of the installation charges, but the way this works is that they show up on your bill and you have to call the billing office every month for the first three months to get it removed. If you don't do this, you will pay for them and they are several hundred dollars.
My first bill was over $450. I spent an hour on the phone with billing, and it was reduced to $140!. The second month, it came in at $350. Another hour and this time it was reduced to $104. The Third bill came in at about $225, and I am still fighting the billing office--I am being charged for two DVRs, even though I returned the second one after 30 days (it is not necessary to have two--in fact, you are better off with just one).
Until 12/31/08, there are a few analog signal channels, so your old TVs can still get these stations with converters, but after 1/1/09, all the channels will be digital and you will need at least the basic digital converters to get anything at all.
In the end, my bill should be about $180 a month. The comparable services from the cable company would now be about $190, but I am also saving over $25 a month by canceling the TIVO service. So I calculate that I am ahead by about $30 a month with FIOS. Also, for this price, we get 59 premium movie channels, versus only about a dozen with the cable company, and all of the channels after January 1 2009, will be digital.
