My Verizon Fios tuner doesn't display channels

My roommate switched us from Comcast to Verizon. I’m happy to report on the internet side of things everything is mush better. We’d gone through many months of randomly losing internet. Comcast’s grid in the area is aging and is very prone to failure.

I haven’t watched TV on a TV for years. My computer has a tuner card. When we first got Comcast my tuner card could handle most stations. With their more recent changes I was down to the few broadcast stations. Comedy Central was the only one I missed having.

Using the tuner card was pretty convenient as I could use Windows Media Center could be configured to change channels and record pretty easily. I have a hard drive full of shows to watch when I am bored and have time(IE they’ll never get watched)

I figure the days are over for that set up.

Verizon initially sent a cable box for the living room. It’s the full deal thingy can be used as a DVR, uses on demand etc.

I told my roommate I wanted a box for my room. He called Verizon and a few days later this mini cable box showed up. It’s the size of my router and only has one light to indicate on and off.

To me this is a stupid device. It doesn’t display what channel it is on nor does it impose it on the screen. So I have no way of knowing what channel number it’s set to. I have no idea how many channels I currently have and will probably never memorize them all. It has the 1 second lag on pressing channel up or down I’ve come to be familiar with for digital service. These things combined made me quickly give up on my desire to channel surf.

In my brief clicking I didn’t come across a listing channel which would have been helpful. I decided to check Verizon’s website for channel listings and found no obvious answer.

I tell you I’m not that old and shouldn’t be bothered by new technology like this but this seems like such a stupid way for them to design equipment and run their business.

Maybe I’ll be telling kids to get off my lawn soon.

Does it have a configuration web page? Is there companion software for your computer?

They’ve probably given you a DCT-700, which is their most basic, cheapest set top box. All it will do is tune channels for you - no program guide, no VOD, no DVR, nothing. It’s good for TVs around the house you don’t watch much - they gave us a few for free a few years ago as part of some package deal. Not so good for a TV in common use.

What you really want is their non-HD QIP2500 box, which is somewhere around $5-6 more per month than the DCT-700 It will give you a program guide, VOD, and, if you’re willing to pony up a little more cash each month, multi-room DVR. If you call them I’m sure they’ll be happy to send you a box and increase your bill.

Here’s a listing of the different boxes that Verizon uses.

If it’s from Verizon then it’s going to suck. And good luck with the “Customer Service”.

Yes, I hate Verizon with the fiery passion of 1000 camel fleas in your armpits.