Serious television viewers understand that there’s more to a good service provider than just the channel lineup offered. When it comes to enhancing viewing pleasure, the actual receiver can matter a great deal. When it comes to receivers, both AT&T U-verse and Verizon FiOS provide their customers choice. AT&T U-verse, however, does come out ahead when innovation is taken into account.
A look at AT&T U-verse versus Verizon FiOS receivers reveals that cutting edge technology is common for both companies. AT&T U-verse, however, takes things a little bit further.
What AT&T U-verse Offers in Receivers
AT&T U-verse customers have four main options in receivers. They are:
- The standard receiver – This receiver provides subscribers with a basic level of control over viewing, including full DVR capabilities such as the ability to pause live television.
- The DVR receiver – This receiver is AT&T U-verse’s powerhouse. It provides multiroom viewing of recorded shows, generous recording time of up to 233 hours of SD programming, independent control of the same show when it’s viewed on different televisions and more. This DVR receiver also provides subscribers with access to AT&T U-verse’s features, such as the channel guide, menu, U-verse movies and more.
- The wireless receiver – AT&T wireless TV receiver is one of the things that distinguishes AT&T U-verse as an innovator. It provides subscribers with the ability to access programming from just about anywhere in their homes. It also provides users with access to such features as Total Home DVR service, U-verse Movies, pay-per-view and more.
- The Xbox 360 – U-verse subscribers can also use their own Xbox 360s to control programming on their televisions. While an Xbox won’t enable full use of all of U-verse’s features, it does provide viewers with the ability to manage their DVRs, watch live programming and more.
A Closer Look at Verizon FiOS
Verizon FiOS also gives customers flexibility in receivers. Its main options include:
- The multiroom DVR – This device enables users with multiple high-def televisions to enjoy programming in different rooms. It has a record capability of 80 hours of standard definition programming.
- DVR – This is a basic DVR that controls FiOS programming. It is best suited for single-television households and also offers up to 80 hours of standard definition recording.
- The set top box – This receiver provides users with basic access to Verizon FiOS programming. It does not, however, function as a DVR. To enjoy this capability, users must have a multiroom DVR set up on their main television and the set top box in another room.
- CableCARD – This is a multi-stream card that delivers Verizon FiOS programming to televisions that are digital cable ready.
While both AT&T U-verse and Verizon FiOS offer subscribers a number of choices, AT&T does come out ahead when it comes to features and innovation.
