EXCLUSIVE: AT&T HomeZone First Look

[GaryPen]

Andrew - The users guide makes it seem like you transfer the files to the unit's hd. But, at least it does it via the network. (It also comes with a memory card reader you plug into one of the USB ports.)

Jim - I believe you don't have to pay for the 2nd tuner fee, if the unit is hooked up to a phone line. You would also have to pay for the DVR fee regardless if it was the HomeZone or any Dish branded DVR. So, the only additional fee over what you would pay directly with Dish is the $10 homezone fee.

But, you do get add'l functionality with the HomeZone unit compared to Dish brand DVR's. Plus, you won't have to pay the $200 "HD DVR upgrade" fee with the HomeZone.

As for the USB and a DVDRW, I doubt it will work. The USB port is for memory card readers and media transfer. Although, it probably wouldn't hurt to try it. I wonder if a keyboard would wrok in there? It's probably easier to enter text with a kb than with that weird remote.

[Poke]

Seems AT&T has seen the light on their IPTV! Overall its best to have your TV service seprate from your net connetion. IPTV is ok but it will always have more things that can cause issues with your tv service. One of those is bandwidth and it will be awhile before they can really do alot of HD over their broadband.


http://www.broadbandreports.com/shownews/73822

AT&T Realizing 25Mbps Not Enough
Lightspeed Delays, Overhaul Ahead?

Posted on 2006-04-24 19:05:35

The criticism of AT&T's "Project Lightspeed" network & IPTV upgrade has been that their current VDSL model provides only 25Mbps to the home, with the company allotting only 6Mbps of that to broadband. AT&T has previously stated they'll explore fiber to the home where it makes sense (read: developments), but that they also wouldn't rule out a more Verizon-Fios style rollout (fiber the last mile) if they could keep costs down.

Analysts are now predicting that AT&T will scale-back Project Lightspeed over the next 2-3 years while they figure out how to get more bandwidth to the end-user. "We believe AT&T will switch gears from VDSL2 around 25 megabits per second to something faster, possibly faster versions of VDSL2 running on shorter loops with potential for as much as 100 megabits per second," writes financial analyst Anton Wahlman.

The way to go would again be the HomeZone or should say the smart thing. This whay your net connection and tv are on seprate things. Instead of all on one thing like IPTV which overall IPTV has a long ways to go.


http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/73667




Since "Project Lightspeed" VDSL and IPTV upgrades will clearly take some time, AT&T hopes to tide many customers over with "Homezone". The service uses a 2Wire Media-Portal to integrate DSL-driven content with Echostar satellite television. AT&T today announced they have struck a deal with indie set-top video provider Akimbo to provide some content for the new service. According to the release, AT&T plans to offer content from Akimbo's library of 10,000 TV programs and movies.

[MikeD-C05]

Dish ought to work a contract with ATT to do the homezone and the video on demand too. THis is more logical then the Directv merger to me. Especially when it sounds like ATT needs Dish more than ever. THey would make a good partner for video on demand etc. And their att receivers look very smart and look like they work well with Dish. Two ota tuners and two sat tuners. I wouldn't mind having one except it has to do hd .

[Ray_Clum]

It is stupid you must be a NEW Dish customer, thru ATT, to get this. So the entire installed base of ATT/Dish customers have to cancel there service for 6 months to use this new service, or go without.

Makes no sense...none.

I'm guessing they are somewhat short on boxes and will have this limitation for 6 mos to 1 year to build up a box inventory and then permit changeouts.

[GaryPen]

Two ota tuners and two sat tuners. I wouldn't mind having one except it has to do hd .

It does do HD. There is also an SD version without the OTA tuners. Unfortunately, it seems they are only rolling out the SD units in these early markets.

[jhaifley]

Well, I received the wireless gateway that I had to have when I ordered Homezone on Sat. I started to wonder about the Homezone receiver, so I called AT&T and they said that the dish installer would bring it out. I know when the 622 receivers first came out, they were being sent direct to the customer and only later did the installers have them. Do you think I should be worried that the tech won't have it with him?

[GaryPen]

So? What happened with this? Didja get it? How's it work?

[jhaifley]

Well, I have a slew of people over for the install. So far, three techs from Digital Dish and a rep from AT&T with another AT&T rep on the way. I guess I am the second customer in Ohio to get turned up so they are trying to get everyone trained. Not much to report on yet as they are only setting the pole right now. I will give an update a little later.

[GaryPen]

Not much to report on yet as they are only setting the pole right now.

Tell 'em to pull their pants up, and get back to installing your HomeZone service!

[jhaifley]

Ok, I got my Homezone service installed today. I had the Digital Dish tech, a new tech he was training, their supervisor, a "quality" person from Digital Dish and a rep from AT&T all on-site for the install. I guess I am the second residential install in Ohio outside of the beta testers. Everything went fairly smooth except we initially could not get the switch test to pass. We found out that the receiver ships with "factory software" and it didn't understand the diplexer. Once that was removed, it updated to the latest software (takes about 30 min) and then we were able to add the diplexer back in and proceed with the setup. We were done about 4 hours later. I haven't really had time to play with it yet, so I will post my impressions later.