U-Verse Tech comes for new install tomorrow

[DMarshal17]

What questions should I ask? I have 1 HD TV and one SD TV and I'm getting the U300 package with HD DVR and 12MB Internet. I'm already going to ask about how many HD streams I have available (to view and record). I currently have an N wireless router (and 4x1GB connections), and want to know if the router they install will be comparable. I guess I'll see tomorrow, but how big is the "device" they install for this? Should I put it next to my HD TV, or can it go in another room?

I actually may not be home for the install as the wife will be there and want us to be covered when the tech leaves.

Any other questions that I should get answered would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RobbinM]

For me, UVerse installed a "G" router. They aren't doing "N" wireless as far as I know. The router is no larger than any of the off the shelf routers. Hopefully you will get the new black router rather than the older white/gray one. But I think that's a function of what they have in the truck that day.

They won't know how many HD streams you can get until the router boots up and see what Profile it picks. I had 3HD/1SD last summer. They were testing 4HD/0SD. I don't know where that stands.

The DVR is a very small box. less than half the size of a Dish/Directv/Comcast box. If you have UVerse phone, they will install a UPS. That will be the largest box. I hide mine behind the TV.

The installers prefer to have the router as close to the DVR as possible. Installing next to the TV is best. If the router is in another room, you will need CAT5/6 run to the DVR. I think they would resist doing that.

 

[DMarshal17]

Thanks RobbinM, that's helpful. Since my wireless router seems better than what they may install, will they let me use mine, or will I be forced to "step back" in this case to a G router?

I don't forsee a problem with mouting near the HD TV, since I wont' have phone service through them (just use cell phone now), I probably won't get the UPS.

What I will have to do is flip how I work today. I have cable internet going into my office (where my router sits) and one cable running to the living room to a 8 port gigabit switch (to run my Xbox/Dish DVR/BluRay). I may move the switch into my office (since I have a Cat5e cable running through the attic from the living room to the office). If they won't use my router, how many wired ports does the router they bring have (I'm hoping at least 4)?

Thanks again!

 

[isaacmorseMI]

Thanks RobbinM, that's helpful. Since my wireless router seems better than what they may install, will they let me use mine, or will I be forced to "step back" in this case to a G router?

I don't forsee a problem with mouting near the HD TV, since I wont' have phone service through them (just use cell phone now), I probably won't get the UPS.

What I will have to do is flip how I work today. I have cable internet going into my office (where my router sits) and one cable running to the living room to a 8 port gigabit switch (to run my Xbox/Dish DVR/BluRay). I may move the switch into my office (since I have a Cat5e cable running through the attic from the living room to the office). If they won't use my router, how many wired ports does the router they bring have (I'm hoping at least 4)?

Thanks again!

You can use your own router. They will not restrict that. The router that they provide has 4 ports.

 

[RobbinM]

You can use your own router. They will not restrict that. The router that they provide has 4 ports.

You can also use your own router. You have to use theirs as it's the "Residental Gateway" that makes it all work. But you can turn off their RG wireless and the plug your router into one of the ports. I remember seeing an issue or two on the AT&T community forums about people having issues with using a secondary router but in theory it works.

 

[rocket69]

they will supply you with a gateway router but you can also set up your own if you wish.

You will need to set up the N router with a diffrent subnet then the uverts one.

Ex. Uvers gives ip 192.168.1.1 you will need to change your subnet in new router to 192.168.2.1 after the N router gets is ip from the uvers you might want to set that ip as DMZ on the uvers so it will pass all trafic though. Good luck and hope it works for you

 

[DMarshal17]

Guys never showed, they called and said there was an Engineering problem and they would call back to reschedule. Haven't called back yet. I guess its their loss. I'm still with Dish Network for TV and MediaCom for Internet, so I can wait. If they want my business bad enough (which probably they don't) they'll call back and reschedule at our time instead of theirs this time around.

 

[DMarshal17]

I still have no call back from AT&T to reschedule. Do they not understand that they are the one losing out on money? Do you guys think I should call them (which I think is just stupid, since they cancelled and said they would call me)?

I'm not liking this as this point. May just stay the way things are and forget the whole thing, but I need ESPNU in HD...

 

[isaacmorseMI]

I still have no call back from AT&T to reschedule. Do they not understand that they are the one losing out on money? Do you guys think I should call them (which I think is just stupid, since they cancelled and said they would call me)?

I'm not liking this as this point. May just stay the way things are and forget the whole thing, but I need ESPNU in HD...

I would probably call them. There's always DirecTV if you need ESPNU in HD. Them not calling you is beyond stupid though.

 

[rocket69]

The engineering problem they talk about is using 2pair copper vs fiber. It might be good to talk with others that live around you even if you dont know them just say flat out that you live down the street and thinking of uvers and see what they say.

I have talked to the techs that have been working on my mothers block for the last week and they are still stumped why the service is still down for almost 1 week, They say the service is nice when it works but to many factors to rule out when on a service call. Now line men are trying to rerun the whole block. when it comes back she will be keeping only the tv service due to contract and ditching the internet as they had to get it from TWC for hir home office.

 

[DMarshal17]

I broke down and called them. After 30 minutes on hold and the tech saying, "This is strange, you have an install date of 12/31/2036" they finally realized their system was down and I had to call back an hour later. They had to release some hold.

The system was still down when I called back, so I called back the next day. Finally got to someone to take a look at everything and they are working on a "facilities" issue that should be resolved by today (hopefully). They said they would call me back. I'm holding my breath