Microsoft Controls My TV

On Saturday, I switched from Comcast to Verizon Fios TV, which uses Microsoft's IPTV software. I now have three networked set-top boxes—one a dual-tuner DVR—and a telco TV provider.

Microsoft lists seven telcos deploying its IPTV software, including AT&T, BT and Deutsch Telecom.

"Verizon is not included in that list," said Jim Brady, Microsoft IPTV communications manager. "Verizon did a hybrid solution to get to market faster."

Hybrid is an understatement. Verizon uses Motorola cable boxes that are similar or the same vintage as the local Comcast provider. Fiber optics bring IPTV to the residence, where the service is distributed over the existing coaxial cable. But the software on the box looks like the IPTV stuff Microsoft has been showing around for years.

Microsoft provides the two most crucial components: the program guide and DVR (digital video recorder) and plenty else, like a capability called Multi-Room DVR.

My TV Goes IP
Verizon and I have a sordid history. In 1997, the former Bell Atlantic delivered ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) to my home and later, starting in May 1999, DSL. I stayed a Verizon customer until mid 2003, when the company pulled my static IP and switched the service over to PPPOE (PPP Over Ethernet). The day after the notice of change came, I switched to Comcast High-Speed Internet. In June 2005, Verizon offered Fios in my area—hey, who could resist 15M-bps broadband? Verizon would lose my order twice before finally installing Fios Internet in late July 2005.

It was with trepidation I waited for Fios TV because of the early installation no-shows. Last Thursday, I received a mailer from Verizon, and I called the same day for installation, which the company scheduled for Saturday. Fast! But I had waited a long time already.

Fios came to Maryland in mid-2006, and I was ready to switch. Unfortunately, Verizon and Montgomery County, Md., got into a snit over the number of educational and public access channels. Adjacent counties had Fios TV; meanwhile, Verizon sued the county where I live.

The waiting ended 8:30 on Saturday morning. Verizon had scheduled installation from anywhere between 8 and 5. The technician showed up early and had installation wrapped up by about 11.

He enabled, or so he claimed, a second and faster fiber-optic line for the TV. My big concern had been that the TV service would degrade the Fios Internet. After the technician hooked up everything, my Internet bandwidth actually increased, from about 11M bps wirelessly to 15M bps. That would put the estimated wired bandwidth at about 18M bps; I haven't tested wired yet.

Under the old setup, my wireless router connected directly to an Ethernet jack. The new setup put in a fancy ActionTec wireless modem that handles the data and video IP networks. Each of the three set-top boxes is assigned an IP address and can appear as networked devices to a PC.

I've got this huge security gripe about broadband, which Verizon dispatched. Just about everyone I know with a DSL or cable broadband with wireless modem was set up with no security enabled. The Verizon technician brought a wireless modem already set up with WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) enabled. Stickers on the bottom of the modem provide SSID (Service Set ID), WEP key and MAC address.

Each set-top box is connected to a different device, all using RCA jacks, rather than coaxial cables. In the living room a dual-tuner DVR box connects to the family's Optoma MovieTime projector. The projector has no coaxial or HDMI connector, so the technician used RCA cables.

The second box, in my daughter's room, connects to a Samsung TV that wouldn't support the signal from the coaxial hookup. I got the TV as a freebie when buying my first iMac, in December 1998. The technician again used RCA cables. The third box is for my computer and connects to an Elgato EyeTV 200 tuner. Once again, coaxial wouldn't work, so I hooked up via RCA jacks.

Better TV than Cable
Once the Verizon technician left, the real fun started: canceling Comcast and exploring Fios TV.

I switched providers for a couple of reasons. One, Microsoft provides the IPTV software, and I cover the company. Two, Verizon's service promised more channels and better features for less money. With Comcast, my monthly bill for analog cable with about 100 channels was $54 before local taxes. With Fios TV, I would pay about $60 before local taxes for more than 200 digital channels, three set-top boxes and dual-tuner DVR.

Channel changing and scanning the program guide is quick, with little delay. In a nice touch, double-clicking the record button on a listed program issues a season pass. Search is somewhat laborious, but no worse than using a Comcast or TiVo box.

Speaking of TiVo, I had to give mine up to use the IPTV DVR. I did so with initial angst, but eventual satisfaction. Except for remote programming, which I would expect from an IP-based service, the Fios DVR is close enough to TiVo.

Windows Vista has gadgets; Fios TV has widgets. The weather widget provides local weather (or other locale), while another gives local traffic information. The feature demonstrates some of the advantages of an IP-based service.

One of the most promising features won't be on my test list: Multi-Room DVR. Since the set-top boxes reside on an IP network, it's possible to stream content stored on a DVR. But the service requires a Motorola DCT 6416 set-top box (which I have), an additional $10 a month fee and a Windows XP PC (I've got Vista and a Mac). The PC is for running Media Manager software for streaming photos and music playlists to the DVR.

Content streaming is something Microsoft touts from Media Center, but 802.11g isn't good enough and 802.11n isn't ready enough (for most people). Verizon's solution uses the home's existing coaxial cable, which is quite sensible.

Multi-Room DVR restrictions stink of DRM. High-definition content can't be played on the remote set-top boxes. Bandwidth wouldn't be a consideration on a wired network, so I assume rights protection is the reason.

Channel lineup is superior compared with what I had before or could have with Comcast Digital Cable. On Saturday night, I watched music videos on IMF (International Music Feed) and discovered Canadian band Three Days Grace. I bought album "One-X" today online. I favor punk and pop punk bands, which is maybe why I missed this alt-metal foursome. Local Comcast doesn't carry IMF.

TV isn't my life; I've got better things to do. But I'm hoping that for the time spent in front of the tube, the Fios service will mean better TV.

Brady said of IPTV: "It's got to be a whole lot better if people are going to switch. A me-too product won't do."

For me, IPTV was better enough, even if Verizon's hybrid service pales in comparison to what Microsoft expects from providers.

"TVs are going to have their own IPs," Brady said. "You could create your own channel and make photos of the kids instantly available" to friends and relatives.

When the broadcaster is you, YouTube takes on a whole other meaning.