Ready to take control of your TV viewing experience? Verizon Fios offers an incredibly robust Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system that empowers you to watch what you want, when you want. No more rushing home to catch your favorite show, or missing a crucial moment because of a phone call! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using your Fios DVR, from basic recording to advanced features, and even troubleshooting common issues.
Let's dive in and unlock the full potential of your Fios DVR!
Step 1: Getting Familiar with Your Fios DVR System
Before we start recording, it's essential to understand the core components of your Fios DVR setup.
Sub-heading: Your Fios TV Set-Top Box and Remote
Your Fios TV set-top box is the heart of your DVR system. Depending on your Fios package, you might have a Fios TV One Video Media Server (VMS) or an older model. Newer VMS units (like the Fios TV One 4100) offer enhanced features, including:
Increased Storage: Up to 200 hours of HD programming, allowing you to store a vast library of your favorite content.
More Simultaneous Recordings: Record up to 6 or even 12 shows at once with Enhanced or Premium service, respectively! This means no more agonizing choices when multiple must-see programs air simultaneously.
Multi-Room DVR: Start watching a recorded show in one room, pause it, and pick it up exactly where you left off in another. This is a game-changer for busy households!
Voice Remote: The Fios TV Voice Remote makes navigating your DVR and Fios TV incredibly intuitive. You can use voice commands to search for shows, change channels, and even control your recordings.
Your remote control is your primary interface. Take a moment to locate key buttons:
Guide: Access the TV program guide.
Record (Red Circle Button): Initiate and manage recordings.
DVR/My Recordings: Go directly to your list of recorded shows.
Play, Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward: Standard playback controls.
Menu/Settings: Access DVR settings and other Fios TV options.
Microphone Button (on Voice Remotes): Activate voice commands.
Step 2: Recording Your Favorite Shows
Now that you're acquainted with your equipment, let's get to the fun part: recording!
Sub-heading: Recording a Live Program
This is the simplest way to record.
Tune to the Channel: Make sure you're watching the program you wish to record.
Press the Record Button: Simply press the red record button on your Fios remote control.
Confirm Recording: A confirmation message, often a red dot or a brief on-screen notification, will appear to indicate that the recording has started. Pro Tip: Your Fios DVR is smart! If you start watching a show and then decide to record it a few minutes in, the DVR will often record from the moment you tuned into the channel, so you don't miss the beginning.
Sub-heading: Recording a Future Program from the Guide
This is how you schedule recordings for shows airing later.
Access the Guide: Press the Guide button on your remote.
Navigate to the Program: Use the arrow keys on your remote to browse through channels and times until you find the program you want to record.
Select the Program: Highlight the desired program.
Press the Record Button: Press the red record button once. A checkmark or a similar indicator will appear next to the program in the guide, confirming it's scheduled to record.
Sub-heading: Setting Up a Series Recording
Never miss an episode of your favorite show again!
Find the Program in the Guide: Navigate to any episode of the show you want to record as a series using the Guide.
Press the Record Button Twice: Press the red record button a second time. This will bring up a menu with recording options.
Choose Series Recording Options: You'll typically be presented with options such as:
Record New Episodes Only: This is generally recommended to avoid recording reruns.
Record All Episodes: Records all airings, including new and reruns.
Keep Until Space Needed: The DVR will automatically delete the oldest recorded episodes to make room for new ones once storage is full.
Keep Until I Delete: Prevents the DVR from automatically deleting these recordings. Use this sparingly, as it can quickly fill your DVR!
Start Time/End Time Adjustment: Sometimes shows run a few minutes over or start a bit early. You can set the recording to start earlier or end later to catch everything.
Which Channel to Record On: If a show airs on multiple channels.
Confirm Settings: Select your preferred options and confirm to set the series recording. A distinctive icon (often two red circles or a red "R" with a series symbol) will appear next to the show in the guide.
Step 3: Managing Your Recorded Programs
Once you've started recording, you'll want to be able to find, watch, and organize your content.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Recordings
There are a couple of ways to get to your recorded shows.
Press the DVR Button: The most direct way is to simply press the DVR or My Recordings button on your remote. This will take you directly to your list of recorded programs.
Through the Menu: You can also typically navigate to your recordings via the main Menu on your Fios TV interface. Look for a section labeled "DVR," "Recordings," or "My Recorded Programs."
Sub-heading: Watching a Recorded Program
Playback is simple and intuitive.
Select the Program: From your list of recorded shows, use the arrow keys to highlight the program you want to watch.
Press OK/Select: Press the OK or Select button on your remote.
Start Playback: You'll usually see an option to "Play" or "Resume" (if you've started watching it before). Select this to begin playback.
Use Playback Controls: Use the Play, Pause, Rewind, and Fast Forward buttons just like you would with a DVD or Blu-ray player. Pressing Fast Forward or Rewind multiple times often increases the speed.
Sub-heading: Deleting Recordings
To free up space or simply declutter your DVR.
Go to Your Recordings: Access your recorded programs list (via the DVR button).
Highlight the Program: Select the show you wish to delete.
Find the Delete Option: Look for a "Delete" option, usually accessible by pressing OK/Select and then navigating through the options presented, or sometimes by pressing a specific color-coded button on your remote (e.g., the 'C' button for deleting folders of episodes).
Confirm Deletion: You'll be asked to confirm. Be careful, as deleted shows are often moved to a "Recently Deleted" folder before permanent removal.
Sub-heading: Managing Series Recordings
Adjusting your series recording settings can be very helpful.
Go to Your Recordings: Access your recorded programs list.
Find the Series: Look for a section or filter that allows you to view "Series Recordings" or "Scheduled Recordings."
Select the Series: Highlight the series you want to modify.
Access Options: Press OK/Select or a designated button to bring up the series recording options (similar to when you first set it up). Here you can change:
Record new episodes only vs. all episodes.
Retention settings (how long to keep episodes).
Start/end time padding.
Cancel the series recording entirely.
Step 4: Advanced Fios DVR Features
Verizon Fios DVR goes beyond basic recording to enhance your viewing experience.
Sub-heading: Pause and Rewind Live TV
Never miss a second!
Simply Pause: While watching live TV, press the Pause button on your remote. The program will freeze.
Rewind: Press the Rewind button to go back to a point you've already watched. The DVR continuously buffers live TV, so you can rewind a significant portion of what you've just seen.
Fast Forward (on Live TV): You can fast forward through content you've paused or rewound, but you cannot fast forward through live programming that you haven't yet seen. This is a key difference from recorded content.
Sub-heading: Fios TV Mobile App Integration
Your Fios DVR isn't just confined to your living room.
Download the App: Download the Fios TV Mobile app on your compatible smartphone or tablet (available for iOS and Android).
Sign In: Sign in with your My Verizon credentials.
Manage Recordings Remotely: From the app, you can:
Schedule new recordings, including series recordings, from anywhere with an internet connection.
View and manage your scheduled recordings.
Delete recorded programs to free up space.
Stream select recorded shows directly to your mobile device (content restrictions may apply due to programming contracts).
Watch live TV on the go (most channels in your plan).
Sub-heading: Voice Control (Fios TV Voice Remote)
The Fios TV Voice Remote makes navigation a breeze.
Press the Microphone Button: Hold down the microphone button on your remote.
Speak Your Command: Speak clearly into the remote. Examples include:
"Record this show."
"Go to CNN."
"Find movies with Tom Hanks."
"Open Netflix."
"Play my recordings."
"Fast forward."
"Rewind 30 seconds."
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common DVR Issues
Even the best technology can have a hiccup now and then. Here are some common DVR issues and how to address them.
Sub-heading: Recording Failed or Missing
This can be frustrating, but there are usually clear reasons.
Check DVR Storage: Your DVR might be full. Access your recordings and delete some unwanted shows. Fios DVRs typically delete the oldest "unwatched" recordings first to make space for new ones, but you can adjust settings to protect specific recordings.
Series Recording Conflict: If you have multiple series recordings set, your DVR might be trying to record more shows simultaneously than its capacity allows (e.g., trying to record 7 shows with an Enhanced DVR that records 6). Adjust your priorities or consider upgrading your DVR service.
Program Not Aired/Guide Error: Occasionally, the program information in the guide might be incorrect, leading to a failed recording. Check if the show actually aired as scheduled.
Power Interruption: A power outage during a scheduled recording can cause it to fail.
Loose Connections: Ensure all coaxial and power cables to your Fios TV set-top box are securely connected.
Sub-heading: Picture or Sound Issues During Playback
If your recorded shows aren't playing smoothly.
Reboot Your Set-Top Box: Unplug your Fios TV set-top box from the power outlet for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Allow a few minutes for it to fully restart. This often resolves minor glitches.
Check Cable Connections: Verify that the HDMI cable connecting your set-top box to your TV is secure at both ends. Also, check the coaxial cable connection from the wall to your set-top box.
Test Other Recordings: See if the issue occurs with all recordings or just one specific program. If it's isolated, the original broadcast might have had an issue.
Sub-heading: Remote Control Not Responding
A common, often easy fix.
Check Batteries: Replace the batteries in your Fios remote control.
Clear Line of Sight: Ensure nothing is blocking the infrared signal between your remote and the set-top box (if it's not a Bluetooth voice remote).
Re-Pair Remote (for Voice Remotes): If your voice remote isn't working, it might need to be re-paired. Go to Menu > Settings > Voice Control > Fios Voice Remote > Program Voice Remote > Manual Setup and follow the on-screen prompts.
Reboot Set-Top Box: A full reboot of your set-top box can sometimes resolve remote communication issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about using your Verizon Fios DVR, along with quick answers.
How to record a currently airing show on Fios DVR?
Simply press the red Record button on your Fios remote while watching the show.
How to schedule a future recording on Fios DVR?
Go to the Guide, navigate to the desired program, and press the red Record button once.
How to set up a series recording on Fios DVR?
In the Guide, highlight the program, then press the red Record button twice to bring up series recording options.
How to access my recorded shows on Fios DVR?
Press the DVR or My Recordings button on your remote control.
How to delete a recorded show on Fios DVR?
From your My Recordings list, highlight the show, press OK/Select (or a specific remote button like 'C' for folders), and choose the delete option.
How to pause and rewind live TV on Fios DVR?
While watching live TV, press the Pause button. You can then use the Rewind button to go back.
How to fast forward through commercials on Fios DVR?
While watching a recorded program, press the Fast Forward button multiple times to speed through commercials. You cannot fast forward through live TV you haven't recorded.
How to check my Fios DVR storage space?
Access your My Recordings or DVR menu and look for an indicator of remaining storage space.
How to manage series recording settings on Fios DVR?
Go to your My Recordings list, find the "Series Recordings" or "Scheduled Recordings" section, select the series, and then access its options to modify settings.
How to use the Fios TV Mobile app to manage my DVR?
Download the Fios TV Mobile app, sign in, and then navigate to the DVR section to schedule, view, and manage your recordings remotely.