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August 7, 2008 at 3:52 pm #2153818
[i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
Lockedby boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
Is anyone using it?
I’m thinking of dumping Charter in favor of UVerse. Thoughts, opinions, advice will be highly appreciated, and thumbed.
Any known issues with Linux?
Thanks!
HAL? Better know who you are if you answer this!
Davettetitle revision
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August 7, 2008 at 3:52 pm #2915854
Clarifications
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
Clarifications
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August 7, 2008 at 6:38 pm #2915813
Interesting discussion here
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
and I really can’t comment not having used either. But it will give you a bump if nothing else.
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6035_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=247130&messageID=2679930
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August 7, 2008 at 6:59 pm #2915804
Thanks Jacky…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Interesting discussion here
I’ve been finding both good and bad reviews, most of it 6 months or more old. Hadn’t got to those yet.
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August 7, 2008 at 8:24 pm #2915778
You will have to weigh up
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Thanks Jacky…
the pros and the cons. Good luck. 😉
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August 7, 2008 at 10:09 pm #2915764
Yeah, that’s why I’m looking for some personal experiences…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to You will have to weigh up
from folks I ‘know’. 🙂
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August 7, 2008 at 9:33 pm #2915769
I’ll see if I can find anything
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
I know some folks around here who use it. Are you going to use it for TV or just internet access?
As far as internet and AT&T, I use their DSL, and Linux/BSD of various flavors have presented no issues. Heck, I even got connectivity with Haiku (BeOS) in a VM.
AT&T will add another box to the side of your house, and give you some type of gateway/modem/router/cable box thingumie as well.
edit: I should point out that speeds offered by Uverse are higher that the normal DSL speeds, (VDSL) as it runs over fiber to a neighborhood node (big ugly green box*), or possibly right to your door.
The video to your TV is MPEG 4 encoded.
* Been known to explode, but that’s been fixed.
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August 7, 2008 at 10:07 pm #2915765
Thanks seanferd, I appreciate it…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I’ll see if I can find anything
TV and Internet. I can – supposedly – get comparable Internet speed as well as drastically up our channel load for significantly less than what Charter is screwing me for.
Fiber to the node, copper to the house.
*As long as we’re not here when it explodes, and the whole house burns down, and we can sue the sh*t out of ATT after, that’s cool with me. 😉
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August 7, 2008 at 11:54 pm #2915757
Explosions at the node
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Thanks seanferd, I appreciate it…
not the house. Due to poorly designed or manufactured batteries (sound familiar?). That company is out of business.
So, explosions in the street. Some may applaud the demise of such an ugly green box, providing shrapnel does not break their windows or persons.
The box on your house is just a junction box, like the one for phone service.
The internet speed should be good, it needs to be good for the broadcast video over IP.
The only problem I encountered in my limited exposure (I was tiling a shower nearby) was that sound was lost on one of two televisions. A quick call resulting in instructions to cycle power on the router-thingumie had it sorted straight away.
If you have very old copper in the house, rewiring your internal phone lines should ensure a quality signal. I actually did this when I got DSL, but the speed stayed about the same. If the old lines aren’t bad, they may be better than new, so YMMV. Make sure any perceived speed or signal quality issues are not the result of other factors first, as rewiring can be a PITA depending on the house.
Anyway, I’ll ask these not-very-technically-inclined folks for their opinions, and I’ll try to do a speed test if allowed. One test does not make a good sample size, but it may be worth something.
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August 8, 2008 at 9:21 am #2932196
Ooh…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Explosions at the node
we do have fairly old copper in the house. Hmmm… looks like a no-fun job. Thanks for something to think about in the event we have problems.
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August 8, 2008 at 8:46 am #2932207
Waiting for them…
by notsochiguy · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
…to be available in my sub-division, so I can dump Comcast.
I have a friend in the Bolingbrook, IL area that has the service. The picture quality is as close to real-life as you can get. When it is storming, he often calls to see whether or not my Comcraptic picture is pixelating (of course it is….and a slight digression, I had Dish Network prior to moving, and it was much more reliable in bad weather than Comcast).
The price package in my area is also fantastic: $129 gets you full boat everything (from what the rep at the AT&T store said a couple months back when I inquired). I pay $50 more than that now, and don’t get premium channels.
Looking forward to the call to Comcast to cancel service!!
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August 8, 2008 at 9:18 am #2932199
Is your friend happy with the service?
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Waiting for them…
Does your friend get TV and Internet?
Thanks if you can offer any second hand details.
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August 8, 2008 at 9:41 am #2932188
He gets everything…
by notsochiguy · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Is your friend happy with the service?
…and is extremely pleased with it. I know, because when he comes over, he constantly gloats over how long things take to download on my cable modem (“oh, guess the neighbor kids are downloading illegal music again…haha”). Additionally, things do seem to pull up quicker on his system as opposed to mine (and my PC is actually much better, plus I use Firefox with no add-ins…he uses IE with various toolbars and add-ins).
I’m not sure how his broadband would be impacted by scaled usage (relatively few people have it in his area…despite it being a pilot test zone). Though, I will say, with Comcast giving away a Wii with every 2 year subscription, I am fairly certain my connection speeds will be taking severe hits shortly!
The only service that is comparable is the phone. I haven’t had a single complaint about the phone (the screening of anonymous #’s is a nice feature…so I do have one nice thing to say about Comcast)…and so far, neither has he (I can’t say we’ve compared features between the services, though).
For me, when it is available, even if the service wasn’t appreciably better, it would be worthwhile to move. A). Comcast has had a local monopoly for far too long, and as a result B). Comcast’s customer service absolutely stinks…whereas, I can honestly say I’ve had good experience with AT&T (cell phone account as well as business class use), and my friend has yet to encounter any problems with them (he said the installation went well…which means a lot if you ever deal with a firm like Comcast).
Hope this helps!
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August 8, 2008 at 10:08 am #2932179
Thanks saigman…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to He gets everything…
same with Charter here. It’s been them or DSL here, too. Friends who use DSL tell me my cable is faster, so I’m not inclined to go to DSL. Seems to me speed should be comparable with UVerse, so…
🙂
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August 8, 2008 at 10:11 am #2932177
You’re welcome
by notsochiguy · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Thanks saigman…
Hopefully, a year or so from now, we’re not back posting to a thread “who feels duped by Uverse”!!
🙂
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August 9, 2008 at 10:41 am #2921636
Cable is faster
by sundaybiker · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Thanks saigman…
Cable internet is faster than dsl, I have 19Mb/s download speed on cox, dsl doesn’t even come close to that. And this seems to be the case for tv over dls too. Also you need a home phone with them, we din’t have a home phone in years, we have a tone of minutes on cells, besides, we’re hardly at home where you can call me on my cell anyway! I have Cox digital with HD channels and never had the problems you are talking about here, signal never dropped or anyhing, never calld for assistance and the HD DVR/receiver works like a charm, I’m surprized to hear all this. I wouldn’t go back to dsl, let alone tv over dsl, but again I see others had problems with cable and satellite too, hope it helps.
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August 9, 2008 at 4:56 pm #2931844
Ah, but it isn’t DSL.
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Cable is faster
U-verse is VDSL (FTTN or FTTP), faster than “conventional” DSL.
Glad to hear you have good service with Cox. They sucked rocks around here since the ’80s, although I’m given to understand they are much improved the last few years. It could be the result of losing their monopoly, I suppose.
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August 15, 2008 at 4:04 pm #2928963
But it’s not cable :-)
by sundaybiker · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Ah, but it isn’t DSL.
Right, but you can’t get lightning speed through old phone wires (CAT3 I belive), and you have to share tv and internet most of the time.
There is a lot of competition from sattelite around here, I guess that’s why Cox stepped up the services. I only have 45 HD channels vs. some 100 on sattelite, but it’s cheaper and more convenient. I have tv and internet with them it would be a pain to change everything, I’m sure they’ll get more channels soon.
It looks like all the services differ a lot, so boxfidller it might be more helpful to ask people in your area and see the specifics. I’m surprised to see how different services are all over the place from the same company. -
August 15, 2008 at 4:08 pm #2928959
UVerse…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Ah, but it isn’t DSL.
is neither DSL or Cable.
It is fiber to a neighborhood node. It is then dedicated copper to the end user, ethernet, and TV over IP.
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August 16, 2008 at 12:19 pm #2929255
Right on
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Ah, but it isn’t DSL.
This is why I suggest finding out the offered speeds for the available options, then get an idea as to what actual performance is like. Relate that to price, and what speed actually makes sense for the particular customer.
Cable can be quite fast, but it can also be awful, depending on whether the customer’s loop is overloaded or heavily used. I doubt it can beat FTTP, but that wouldn’t apply in Boxfiddler’s case, in my understanding.
Just go with what works for you.
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August 8, 2008 at 12:21 pm #2932131
Scaled usage
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to He gets everything…
Since it isn’t set up like a co-ax cable network, this should not pose a problem, AFAIK.
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August 8, 2008 at 12:27 pm #2932130
Yes…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Scaled usage
that’s my understanding, also. Anything resembling ‘shared access’ runs through the fiber from the node to central office. From the node to demarc is dedicated to the user.
This strikes me as a good idea.
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August 8, 2008 at 1:02 pm #2932114
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August 8, 2008 at 6:41 pm #2931977
Just a bump…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
in hopes of catching more eyes. 😉
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August 8, 2008 at 7:55 pm #2921878
…And there’s no silence in the night.
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Just a bump…
So, I make talky-talky with these peoples. All say they are very happy with Uverse, it was much better than cable for broadband, as the high price paid for cable broadband, through Cox, never ran anywhere near the quoted speed. (They did speed tests, probably through BroadbandReports or similar.)
They say the TV is quite good, they feel the picture quality is better, the selection of programming and whatnot are good as well. No complaints about the VOIP either.
Aside: Thanks Boxfiddler, I find it entertaining to have reached 42 thumbs. 🙂
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August 8, 2008 at 8:22 pm #2921852
You make me hate to give you the next one!
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to …And there’s no silence in the night.
I’ll give it a few days before ‘thumbing you’ again. 😀
Thanks for the chatup. I appreciate it very much.
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August 9, 2008 at 10:05 am #2921644
LOL :^0
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to You make me hate to give you the next one!
I’ll take 42 as a milestone, rather than a destination. I still haven’t created a second user account yet, and I’m not going to do so in fear of 43 thumbs. Not that I ever expected to receive as many as I have in the first place. 😀
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August 14, 2008 at 10:32 pm #2918236
That’s a…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to LOL :^0
‘knight in shining armor’ thumb.
And have you seen these:
http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=102&threadID=271297&messageID=2567317
http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=102&threadID=271415&messageID=2568248
Whatever his problem is/was, he’s getting better! 😀
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August 11, 2008 at 3:43 am #2931692
Well, 18 or so hours later…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to …And there’s no silence in the night.
that thumb was the last thing I did on TR yesterday! lol Now I don’t remember what I was going to post. 🙁
At any rate, hopefully this will bump it back onto the board.
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August 11, 2008 at 6:04 am #2931665
Bump
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
Short stories:
I shut down my old computer and hooked up the HP. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get online! I installed the Juno software and could get and send email, but couldn’t connect to Juno central computers. The modem would dial and get to the internet, but couldn’t get into where the browser is. My old computer refused to boot up. I was, once again, broken down on the shoulder of the information superhighway.
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August 11, 2008 at 7:58 am #2931621
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August 11, 2008 at 8:14 am #2931608
Oh excellent…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Bump
on both counts.
Thanks for the giggly bumps. 😀Or is the bumpy giggles?
etu
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August 11, 2008 at 9:25 am #2930241
etu, brutus?
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Oh excellent…
Quick and easy to install … All in all, Unix can support up to 12kg of laundry … Up to 12m of drying space.”
Listed U.L(Underwriters Loboratorle Inc.)
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August 11, 2008 at 9:30 am #2930238
I’ll be giving out thumbs for bumps soon…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Bump
at this rate. 😉
Surely someone else out here is using UVerse or has friends/family that are???
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August 11, 2008 at 4:56 pm #2930096
Alrighty then…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
bumping, bumping. Looking for more thoughts and opinions. Opinions are like that other thing everybody has. 😉
etu
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August 11, 2008 at 5:15 pm #2930090
Anyone here from any of these delightful locales?
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Alrighty then…
Where UVerse is available? No? Nobody?
I don’t believe it.San Antonio
Houston
San Francisco
Oakland
San Jose
Santa Clara
Hartford
New Haven
Stamford
Anderson
Bloomington
Indianapolis
Muncie
Milwaukee
Racine,
Dallas-Fort Worth
Kansas City
Detroit
Ann Arbor
Riverside
Ventura County
Los Angeles
Cleveland
Akron
San Diego
Oklahoma City
Sacramento
Austin
St. Louis
Columbus
Northeastern Illinois
West Michigan
Atlanta-
August 11, 2008 at 5:28 pm #2930080
Bump thumb.
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Anyone here from any of these delightful locales?
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August 11, 2008 at 7:36 pm #2930017
Perhaps we can catch more flies with vinegar
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
(or religion, aka: brand loyalty) than honey.
http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=101&threadID=271229&messageID=2566581
etu: It’s catching!
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August 11, 2008 at 7:43 pm #2930013
:^0 I saw that as I was scrolling questions…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Perhaps we can catch more flies with vinegar
just about the time I clicked this one to see what you had to say!
Zees espaireemint coold proof berry, berry eenteresteeenk.
etu – had to be a typo, don’t know how to speel an accent.
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August 11, 2008 at 9:01 pm #2929998
Have you checked
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
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August 11, 2008 at 9:12 pm #2929996
Errm…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Have you checked
nope. Never even occurred to me.
Duh.-
August 11, 2008 at 9:43 pm #2929983
You can learn :)
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Errm…
a lot from visiting Forums. 😉
I have one favourite that I visit everyday when it is working. 😉
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August 11, 2008 at 10:50 pm #2929972
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August 11, 2008 at 10:54 pm #2929970
I thought I did too…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Aww, I thought you had the internet research angle covered.
I think maybe I shouldn’t think so much about what other people think in future. :0
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August 11, 2008 at 11:12 pm #2929967
I think I should think more like I used to think.
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I thought I did too…
And think I might think of something that someone may have not thought of.* Without worrying about stating what may already be obvious.
* There is no way that I’ll try to fix that. Ugh.
edit: There’s this one also, with fora and a wiki, and garshk, a map. Technician’s forum as well. http://www.uverseusers.com/
edit: Forum broken down by state as well.
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August 11, 2008 at 11:39 pm #2929962
You have picked :)
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I thought I did too…
up a few leads that may help you out of your predicament. It is only early days and hopefully some more members may be able to contribute. 😉
Just think, if you hadn’t posted this question where would you have been. seanferd has just posted a good link. 😉
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August 12, 2008 at 7:16 pm #2927505
I think I’m going to give UVerse a shot…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to You have picked :)
Older information is not so great, newer information is quite enticing. Charter, while speedy enough to keep me happy in spite of their non-existent customer service, is cr@p value for the TV channel money.
Will let you folks know how it goes. I’ll drag up seanferd’s ‘totally bites’ thread to defend it, or accuse it. 😀
Thanks to all of you for your pointing in appropriate directions!
etu
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August 12, 2008 at 7:38 pm #2927496
You are more than welcome :)
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I think I’m going to give UVerse a shot…
I don’t watch much TV as most of the shows that I would watch are on after my bedtime. I am thinking of getting a recorder so that I can watch them at my leisure. The operative word here being “thinking”. 😉
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August 12, 2008 at 7:54 pm #2927489
I don’t watch much TV either…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I think I’m going to give UVerse a shot…
but the other person that lives here lives for it.
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August 12, 2008 at 8:13 pm #2927481
Oh the OH :)
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I think I’m going to give UVerse a shot…
you have to keep him happy or your life will be miserable. 😉
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August 12, 2008 at 7:19 pm #2927504
That’s a bump thumb, btw.
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to You have picked :)
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August 12, 2008 at 7:07 pm #2927509
Wow. Still nuffin? … bump.
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
values of β will give rise to dom!
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August 12, 2008 at 7:13 pm #2927507
I’ve been debating with myself…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Wow. Still nuffin? … bump.
this afternoon on whether to bump it, or leave it die.
It looks like that is settled. 😀
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August 12, 2008 at 7:36 pm #2927497
Well, just let me know.
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I’ve been debating with myself…
I keep a link on my desktop, and check when I’m in. I’ll let it die on the vine at your say-so.
Anyway, have you read up on any of the negative reviews out there? I sort of have my doubts about the IPTV, but many of the negative comments are in older articles I’ve read.
The real question is: Does UVerse offer a listed speed that is suitable for you? If so, I suppose we can check on whether the reported speeds for a given bandwidth fall within an acceptable range, and adjust for probability that negative perceptions are likely reported more often than satisfaction. Unless, of course, folks are afraid of that clause in the AT&T customer contracts that frowns upon negative comments on services rendered. :0
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August 12, 2008 at 7:57 pm #2927487
Either way…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Well, just let me know.
You and Jacky should collect some thumbs while you can, to make up for all the ones you should have gotten from people you helped.
Most of my thumbs are ‘BS’ thumbs, but I’ve collected a bazillion thank you’s.
Ok, hyperbole, but I know how it feels to not the thumb you earn.
😀
I’ll keep you guys posted once service is in place.
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August 13, 2008 at 11:42 am #2927187
Hope it works out for you …. bump
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Either way…
I’ve known what it is like to have little choice among crappy ISPs. I was glad to be able to finally get DSL. Maybe some day I’ll try UVerse as well.
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August 13, 2008 at 1:15 pm #2916682
Installation Friday…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Hope it works out for you …. bump
Charter is paid until the 9th of September. Will not cancel cable until then, jic. No refund, but I prefer to be able to swap back easily if I need to.
😀 Here goes nuthin’.
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August 13, 2008 at 1:42 pm #2916666
Good luck
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Installation Friday…
I hope that it all works out for you. 😉
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August 14, 2008 at 7:36 pm #2918257
Anything like Casual Friday? (&Edit)
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Installation Friday…
Well, good luck with all that. I hear the installation takes a while, but perhaps they’ve gotten faster with that.
One caveat on the Charter/UVerse combo: There have been complaints, in fact, lawsuits, because UVerse supposedly interferes somehow with with cable when in the same house. I’ll see if I can find one of the articles I’ve read on that. I don’t even know if it is an issue any longer (or if it ever really was). I think Comcast was one company bringing suit against AT&T for this, in Chicago, I believe.
I hope it all goes smoothly for you, and that the service is impeccable.
edit: Links.
http://gizmodo.com/383020/atts-u+verse-screwing-with-network-says-comcasthttp://www.uverseusers.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,2/topic,7414.0/
http://www.geek.com/comcast-claims-u-verse-causing-problems-with-its-internet-service/
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August 14, 2008 at 8:19 pm #2918247
No interference…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Installation Friday…
I don’t think? All UVerse. Just ain’t returning equipment to Charter til my billing period is up, just in case. But I will look into that. Like tonight sometime. Thanks.
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August 15, 2008 at 10:53 pm #2929479
seanferd, re: interference…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Installation Friday…
Install went on all around me while I was still surfing. Cable is still on, but installer disconnected to use the coax already in place. Been surfing all night, and OH has been tubing (!) all night. No probs.
This may not be quite exactly what you meant by coexistence, but it’s as close as it gets around here. 😉
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August 16, 2008 at 1:59 pm #2929225
You’re all set re: interference
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Installation Friday…
Interference supposedly occurs for customers using both UVerse and some other cable option at the same time. Since you aren’t doing that, I suspect this would be a non-issue.
Happy surfing!
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August 15, 2008 at 6:10 am #2918144
I would NEVER send business to AT&T
by jdclyde · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
We had a horror story with them that would take longer to explain than I have time for right now.
They are basically three companies.
Collections
Sales
ServiceIn that order, and the three do NOT work well together.
We bought a service that we never got, and because we didn’t PAY for that service we never got, they one day cut ALL services, without so much as a phone call or letter in the mail. Yes, it WAS a surprise to our sales rep. We found out they had turned the lines off when we called service to let them know our lines had gone down. They WERE getting a few 100k from us a year for long distance and were trying to give them more. We got nailed instead.
We never got the service, and were completely moved off of AT&T by the next week and will NEVER go back.
I had to cancel my home phone when SBC was bought out by AT&T because I will NOT do business with them again.
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August 15, 2008 at 7:57 am #2929164
I hear that, but I’ve had equal trouble from all providers
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I would NEVER send business to AT&T
that have been available to me. AT&T is a good example of the big, dumb corps that try so hard to make me hate them, but my personal experience with several companies made me positively dive for AT&T DSL when offered at a very reasonable price. The only trouble I’ve actually had with them has been weird outages over the past week. Cable companies, on the other hand, liked to shut off service for me two weeks after I’d paid the bill, for some reason. Had that experience with three of them, along with lots of outages. I went with satellite and never looked back until a new cable & internet company started up. They seem to be very good, but I can’t buy bandwidth any cheaper than what I get now.
To me, it’s kind of a “pick your poison” decision. I hope you have much better service from your providers.
Aside: AT&T is still really SBC (who sucked anyway). They bought AT&T and took the name. Then again, I don’t suppose it matters which way that went, does it?
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August 15, 2008 at 8:22 am #2929158
I have 3 options here…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I would NEVER send business to AT&T
Charter – sucks. Internet speed and connection ok, TV channel lineup way too minimal for $50/month, service non-existent.
ATT DSL/Charter TV – Cable internet faster, still stuck with over-priced Charter TV. Sucky to non-existent service with both.
ATT UVerse – cable comparable Internet speed, serious channel lineup, less expensive, sucky to non-existent service.Rock and a hard place game. Juggle it for all its worth, I figure.
Thanks for the opinion, though.
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August 15, 2008 at 8:39 am #2929151
See how you are…..
by jdclyde · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I have 3 options here…
And I still don’t rate a thumb…. :_|
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August 15, 2008 at 8:46 am #2929149
I didn’t get a thumb for Avast…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to See how you are…..
poohead. X-(
But because it’s you…
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August 15, 2008 at 8:58 am #2929145
But you DID
by jdclyde · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I didn’t get a thumb for Avast…
get a thumb in that discussion…. :p
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August 15, 2008 at 9:05 am #2929141
Big deal. I earned 2.
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to But you DID
And your post above was just a rant. X-(
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August 15, 2008 at 9:22 am #2929136
Not “just” a rant
by jdclyde · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Big deal. I earned 2.
It was giving an example of the way AT&T DOESN’T support their customers.
A very helpful bit of information when looking to deal with a company. B-)
There, THAT was a rant….. :p
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August 15, 2008 at 9:25 am #2929134
:^0 :^0
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Big deal. I earned 2.
Will be offline in a bit, probably for most of the afternoon.
Better be able to get back to this and play! B-)
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August 16, 2008 at 12:37 pm #2929249
No, JD just recognizes corporate cr@p when he sees it :D
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Big deal. I earned 2.
AT&T can be downright awful for service, but I personally haven’t had any better luck with anyone else, and I don’t feel like dropping the cash for service from WOW, when I get what I need dirt cheap.
Unless a good contender is available, it’s just a choice of the lesser of multiple evils.
My only recent problems with AT&T were internet outages, which actually didn’t last very long, but there must have been more to it as it was reported at SANS internet storm center, with no additional info.
The only other problem I had was when the tranny for my router died. The phone call was interminable, with multiple escalations, (can you try this?) when I knew darn well what the issue was. When I finally got transferred to the manufacturer, the guy knew that I knew what I was talking about, and sent me a whole new router for free. Sure enough, when it came, I just took the transformer and used it to power the router: Voila, Internet. Now I have a backup router, but no supply.
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August 15, 2008 at 1:56 pm #2929020
Alrighty then…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
A near 4 hour install, which included running several new lines, and a walk-through on the DVR, remote functions, menu options.
Pleasant installer, polite, informative, as unintrusive as an installer can be.
This particular UVerse shop has a support policy in place in which the original installer is also the assigned support tech. I think I like that idea.
Excellent channel lineup for not having purchased premium content. 160+ channels. Geez. Someone will be having a field day once he figures out the remote! 😀
Internet speed (so far), excellent. Just excellent, no noticeable difference between Charter 10m and UVerse 6m, with the exception that UVerse ‘seems’ faster. Probably because I rarely if ever got the actual 10m.
‘course, I’m only a half hour into it. 😀
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August 15, 2008 at 10:30 pm #2929484
How fast can you :)
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Alrighty then…
download a 10mb file from the internet. 😉
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August 15, 2008 at 10:32 pm #2929483
Find me one…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to How fast can you :)
I’ll check! 😀
I never tested at the full 10m I was supposed to be getting from Charter. Not once. FWIW.
etu
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August 16, 2008 at 12:33 am #2929457
Try this
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Find me one…
There is a reason behind this as I can’t watch a TROLOV without it breaking up. I am just wondering if I need to up my bandwidth.
My download speed is 603 kb/s
Upload is 90 kb/s
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August 16, 2008 at 9:26 am #2929317
Results…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Try this
[URL=http://www.speedtest.net][IMG]http://www.speedtest.net/result/309880929.png[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://www.speedtest.net][IMG]http://www.speedtest.net/result/309881556.png[/IMG][/URL]
First test via a server near me. Second via the recommended server.
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August 16, 2008 at 12:09 pm #2929257
Hooly dooly :)
by rob miners · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Results…
You are getting value for your money. I am paying $54 a month for 512/128 which includes a Static IP and 20GB download. At the time that I signed up it was a reasonable deal for over here. 😉
No wonder I can’t watch TROLOV without it breaking up. 😉
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August 16, 2008 at 12:20 pm #2929254
Those speed test results…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Hooly dooly :)
are better – not by a whole lot, but still… – than any I ever got with Charter and I was paying for a higher level of speed than I am now.
I could definitely get even more spoiled.
I’m gonna keep an eye on speed, and keep trying to bollux it up for a bit. See what happens. 😀
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August 15, 2008 at 10:33 pm #2929482
edited – Addendum…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Alrighty then…
display is significantly better. Crisper, better background graphics display as regards subtle patterning. Don’t ask me why, but I did not expect this.
Very cool. I have been missing almost a lot in this regard!Up until the wires were run, install went on while I was still cruising TR. It wasn’t until they had to disconnect the cable at demarc – in order to utilize existing coax – that I had to disable my connection. How cool is that?
etu
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August 16, 2008 at 12:42 pm #2929246
Sounds like a pretty good deal so far
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to edited – Addendum…
I hope that the service remains good for you.
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August 21, 2008 at 7:55 pm #2930612
For any interested…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
A week or so into things:
With a couple of exceptions, no problems with anything. As far as I’m concerned, to this point the good far outweighs the bad.
The bad:
Thunderstorming this evening, TV reception is glitchy. Occasional frozen frames – you know, kinda like when buffering can’t keep up with your PC player? – all channels. Doesn’t bother me, I’m not watching other than to gauge effect. OH has yet to complain…
Small buttons on the remote. And this is interesting, sometimes it takes two or three pushes of the power button to get the TV (not the box the signal runs through) to turn on. We do have a fairly old TV, that has it’s idiosyncracies, so not sure whether this is U-Verse signal box or TV or some combination of both.
For a couple of hours yesterday afternoon, I had no Internet service, despite all the proper lights being lit on the PC, and the gateway. No clue what happened there, no clue.
After OH crashed for the night, I reset the gateway. Now that is a slow reset, several minutes. No problems since, don’t know if there is any relation, again.
Yahoo portal and email management. Bleah.The good:
I can remove channels that we don’t receive, or that I don’t want to see listed, from the the TV guide.
I can deny access to channels, then hide the channel.
Of 405 channels available, we get just about half. Wow!
Internet speed is kicking butt.
Dialup access when on the road. Not something included with Charter. I’m likely to keep Earthlink for mail and dialup, though. I do not like Yahoo in the least. Ok, wait. Yahoo Instant Messenger is ok if you do a custom install and keep the crap out.Well satisfied, so far! 😀
Future updates to come, then trailing off after a month or so. In case others are interested.
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August 21, 2008 at 11:40 pm #2931573
Cool!
by seanferd · about 15 years, 7 months ago
In reply to For any interested…
With the thunderstorm-related glitchyness: I wonder if a radio frequency suppressor is in order. That signal has only 5000 feet max to travel through copper, so that sounds kind of weird to me.
Buffering is dead on. It’s waiting for the next packets that went missing.
Glad to hear that everything is is otherwise hunky dory. 🙂
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November 1, 2008 at 9:33 pm #2808697
Okee-dokee.
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 5 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
It’s been a couple of months now using ATT U-Verse.
Overall, an excellent experience to date.
6M Internet is faster that 10M with Charter was. U-Verse router and XP Firewall don’t get along. Playing with ZoneAlarm Free next. Tech says it should be no problem. Security scan at http://www.grc.com without software firewall is totally stealth. Makes me happy, port 113 registered closed but visible with Charter.TV – few to no problems. Box takes a long time to reboot if it needs resetting or gets unplugged. Buttons on the remote very small, hubby is constantly screwing something up because of big fingers. Sh*tload of channels, including music. Reception excellent overall, very good during storms.
Only drawback: Yahoo mail. Keeping my $5.00/month Earthlink boxes. Hate yahoo mail.
Savings: approximately $25.00/month.
I think ATT has most of the kinks worked out. One of my better decisions. B-)
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November 2, 2008 at 2:10 am #2808671
I am really :D
by rob miners · about 15 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Okee-dokee.
pleased to know that you are happy with your decision. 😉
I am also very envious. 😀
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November 2, 2008 at 3:01 pm #2808581
Fantastic
by seanferd · about 15 years, 4 months ago
In reply to Okee-dokee.
Try Online Armor for a firewall, it’s pretty decent. M. Kassner uses it.
TallEmu.com
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November 2, 2008 at 3:09 pm #2808578
Thanks!
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 4 months ago
In reply to Fantastic
Filed for future reference if need be. 😀
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November 2, 2008 at 2:31 am #2808669
Hal is not silly enough to answer a question Davette. :P
by oh smeg · about 15 years, 5 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
So you’ll have to put up with nothing more than this response.
After long and difficult Deliberations with the HAL 9000 Unit I have it on good authority that it knows nothing about ISP’s in the States. You are batter off asking people with local knowledge as all the research that HAL has managed to carry out only goes to show that too many Americans are happy to settle for way too little costing way too much.
Col ]:)
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November 2, 2008 at 5:37 am #2808656
Silly OS.
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Hal is not silly enough to answer a question Davette. :P
The question’s old. I was just updating whomever might be interested on the quality of the product.
You and the HAL unit have been hanging around together for way too long. ]:)etu – because Davette would not want to upset the HAL. 😀
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November 2, 2008 at 4:18 pm #2808574
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November 2, 2008 at 6:34 pm #2808544
You two…
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 4 months ago
In reply to Davette HAL asked me to pass on a message here
have a hug and a smooch.
Argue amongst yourselves over who gets which. ]:) -
November 2, 2008 at 6:46 pm #2808541
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November 2, 2008 at 6:59 pm #2808539
Ack!
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 4 months ago
In reply to Well Davette
I don’t want or need a SWMBO! Ack!
I have a …… right here at home that is problem enough, thank you anyway. :p
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November 3, 2008 at 4:34 am #2806395
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November 3, 2008 at 6:35 am #2806341
I’ll trade her and the notebook
by boxfiddler · about 15 years, 4 months ago
In reply to Ack!
for Gene and the exercise bike. ]:)
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November 4, 2008 at 2:36 pm #2807097
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January 16, 2010 at 9:40 pm #2838734
FWIW.
by boxfiddler · about 14 years, 2 months ago
In reply to [i]Final Update[/i] — Trying ATT UVerse on for size…
And, in case anyone else is wondering in future. In the year and a half that I have been using Uverse, neither Internet or TV has been down once.
I’m ecstatic. 😡
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