There’s been quite a bit of hype about the Verizon Fios TV One in my neck of the woods. So much so, that as I was looking into getting a new TV, I spent some time investigating what new Verizon Fios offers were running.
My family and I are avid movie watchers, and the features that this setup promised made it extremely appealing at the onset. However, some aspects made me think twice before signing up. So let me break it down for you.
What is Verizon Fios TV One?
Verizon Fios TV One is a fiber-optic smart TV system created especially for your at-home media viewing. Its features include a voice remote control and seamless Netflix integration. Furthermore, the DVR runs on Wi-Fi, so your TV can be set up in any room.
Features:
- Netflix Integration
- Voice Remote
- 4K Ultra UD
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
» Check Your Verizon Fios TV Availability
Netflix integration
Netflix is built into the Fios TV One media guide, which allows you to flip between apps to enjoy your preferred streaming content. No second remote is needed. The recommended to watch lists, and easy-to-find favorites make Netflix the perfect movie viewing interface.
Voice Remote
The voice remote enables you to control your TV viewing experience with simple commands. With the addition of a microphone and listening mode activation button, simple statements such as “rewind,” “fast forward,” or “show that movie with Burt Reynolds” will let you customize your entertainment. The minimalized design has fewer buttons than traditional remotes.
The system can be coupled with Alexa for even more voice command options, like switching channels, adjusting the volume, and opening apps.
4K Ultra HD
You’ll delight in the deep, wide color range and detailing that comes with Fios TV One 4K ultra-high-definition video display. The 4K TV has four times the resolution of a full high definition model. Four times more pixels means the horizontal screen resolution is about 4,000 pixels, allowing you to watch with a vividness never before experienced.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
With the Fios TV One set, you can link your other TVs with the simple addition of a Fios TV One Mini-unit and a router for internet connection. You’ll find a vast improvement in speed when utilizing memory-intensive aspects like menus and switching channels.
Premium channels, live TV, On-Demand, and DVR content can be downloaded to watch offline on iOS, Android, or Amazon devices or stream data-free via Verizon Wireless.
Plans
Verizon offers several programs to meet your TV watching needs. The Fios Internet 100/100 Mbps is capable of linking four to seven devices. The Fios Internet 300/300 Mbps is the family plan which allows more than eight gadget connectivity. For large families, the Fios Gigabit Connection tethers up to 100 devices.
With the multi-room DVR premium package, you can record several programs simultaneously while watching a TV show broadcasting at the moment. With this plan, you can pause, play, rewind, or fast-forward live TV. This service can record up to 12 shows at once and hold up to 200 hours in high-definition.
Drawbacks to Verizon Fios TV One
During my investigation about what is Verizon Fios TV One, I found that there are several drawbacks to the setup.
Cons:
- Limited availability
- Price
- Limited 4K Ultra HD Programming
Limited Availability
If you are an existing Fios customer, you can upgrade to the Fios TV One package for the price of the additional equipment. Unfortunately, at this time, Fios fiber optic services are only available in eight states.
These are:
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
Pricing
A second issue is the price of the service. Overall, with the additional fees assessed, Verizon Fios TV One tends to cost more than other providers. Installation charges, programming packages, bundles, and equipment charges spike the basic service amount.
On the other hand, since there is no annual contract, depending upon which service and equipment you utilized, you could pay less. For comparison, Earthlink requires a 1-year service contract.
Limited 4K Ultra HD Programming
Although touted as the ultimate viewing experience with 4K Ultra HD, not all shows are available to be viewed in 4K HD. Although a good number of movies available from Netflix are upgraded to 4K HD, regular programming isn’t so advanced.
There are a few dedicated 4K channels that play pre-recorded 4K HD content, and significant sports events like the Olympics are upgraded. However, over-the-air broadcast programs aren’t up to 4K Ultra HD pixelization just yet. Between a quarter to a third of the channels are broadcasting with 4K capability, depending on the programming package.
The Bottom Line
Now that I have explored what is Verizon Fios TV One, I can say that although the setup knocks my socks off, I’m going to wait just a bit before investing in this 4K Ultra HD TV.
I love the idea of a voice-activated remote, especially one that can hook up with Alexa. I am also psyched that I live in one of the eight states that Verizon Fios services. If you don’t, well, then you won’t be nearly as excited as I was.
I also liked the connectivity. The 300/300 Mbps plan that allows more than eight devices to be connected is a useful option for families. The Gigabit Connection, which links up to 100
gadgets, seems wholly unnecessary for most prospective clients, but hey, these days, we are connected 24/7, so maybe there are families out there that have that many gadgets.I felt the multi-room DVR premium package was a bit of an overkill as well. Does anyone really need to record 12 shows simultaneously ever?
4K Ultra HD Programming availability is my last sticking point. Movies are enhanced, but not so much to cover the difference in price between an HD setup and the 4K Ultra HD fiber-optic system. Once 4K becomes the industry standard, then the Verizon Fios TV One is definitely the one to go with. In the meantime, I’ll stick with the set I have hanging on the wall already.
