Re: XBOX 360 as Set Top Box - 11/7/2010!!

Tidefan · ‎12-05-2010

paul1035 wrote:
One way that it half makes sense is if you only have your main DVR unit and you want to add an additional box. Because if you add an additional box, no matter what you pay the $55 truck roll fee to get a new box or get the Xbox kit. So technically you are only paying $99 versus $7 a month, which works out to be a little over 14 months. Now if you want to replace a box you already have with the Xbox kit, then it is pointless because it will take 22 months to recoup the costs. So in my case since I only have 1 box and I want Uverse on a second TV, I can either pay $55 plus $7 a month, or $55 plus $99.

But either way I still highly disagree with the current options as it seems over priced. Especially considering that they keep raising prices, and I'm paying X amount of dollars to get Uverse service, yet I have to pay X amount if I want to use the service on more than one TV.

Also don't forget in the $99 kit is a XBOX 360 media remote that lists for $20. Granted there is no option to not get the remote but that leaves $79 for the use of the 360. That is actually $5 less in 12 months.

On a semi related note I just ordered Uverse Monday night. I am going to be using an Xbox 360 and the sales rep actually gave me the option of purchasing the $99 kit or paying $7 a month to use the 360. It was the first I have heard of that so she might not have been correct.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Agree--I predict a self-install via download with remote provisioning of the Xbox by ATT. Those who aren't comfortable with that can opt for the truck roll. Bill for the MS license fee no matter which option you choose.

txnroger · ‎06-06-2006

Tidefan wrote:

paul1035 wrote:
One way that it half makes sense is if you only have your main DVR unit and you want to add an additional box. Because if you add an additional box, no matter what you pay the $55 truck roll fee to get a new box or get the Xbox kit. So technically you are only paying $99 versus $7 a month, which works out to be a little over 14 months. Now if you want to replace a box you already have with the Xbox kit, then it is pointless because it will take 22 months to recoup the costs. So in my case since I only have 1 box and I want Uverse on a second TV, I can either pay $55 plus $7 a month, or $55 plus $99.

But either way I still highly disagree with the current options as it seems over priced. Especially considering that they keep raising prices, and I'm paying X amount of dollars to get Uverse service, yet I have to pay X amount if I want to use the service on more than one TV.

Also don't forget in the $99 kit is a XBOX 360 media remote that lists for $20. Granted there is no option to not get the remote but that leaves $79 for the use of the 360. That is actually $5 less in 12 months.

On a semi related note I just ordered Uverse Monday night. I am going to be using an Xbox 360 and the sales rep actually gave me the option of purchasing the $99 kit or paying $7 a month to use the 360. It was the first I have heard of that so she might not have been correct.

That wasn't correct about being charged $7 a month for the use of the Xbox 360. This is still new and reps are getting used to it so she probably just mis-spoke.

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alemis · ‎10-11-2010

texasguy37 wrote:
alemis wrote:

With the recent news focus being customers cutting the cord and dumping pay tv altogether, you would think/hope? that AT&T would switch to focusing on providing value-adds like this for no extra charge. It certainly would make me feel a lot better about dropping $200 each month for tv/phone/internet.

You will have to talk to Microsoft. Microsoft charges a license fee to run the Mediaroom software on the xBox 360 in order to use it as an STB. Part or all of the $99 fee includes the Microsoft license fee.

Another approach to collecting license fees is done by a Canadian TV provider, who is the only other TV provider in North America that offers this service. The Canadian company charges subscribers a $5/month license fee in order to use an xBox 360 as an STB.

Actually, AT&T should talk to Microsoft as I'm sure they're already paying a fortune to run the U-Verse platform on Microsoft. Also, you'd think that Microsoft would want to promote people using Xboxs for U-Verse as they'll likely be buying more consoles, games and other Microsoft services. Unfortunately we know that won't do any good. More importantly, Microsoft will likely be a competitor to AT&T for programming in the next couple of years. Their agreement with ESPN shows a glimpse into their future as a content provider. It's going to be an interesting next couple of years to see how content delivery shakes out...

texasguy37 · ‎05-18-2009

alemis wrote:
Actually, AT&T should talk to Microsoft as I'm sure they're already paying a fortune to run the U-Verse platform on Microsoft. Also, you'd think that Microsoft would want to promote people using Xboxs for U-Verse as they'll likely be buying more consoles, games and other Microsoft services. Unfortunately we know that won't do any good. More importantly, Microsoft will likely be a competitor to AT&T for programming in the next couple of years. Their agreement with ESPN shows a glimpse into their future as a content provider. It's going to be an interesting next couple of years to see how content delivery shakes out...
I'm not sure anyone would incur the cost of purchasing an xBox 360 just to avoid the $7/month fee for an STB. If you are concerned wth the payback period of the current cost ($99 + $55) of using an xBox 360 as an STB, how much longer will the payback period be if you also include the cost of purchasing an xBox 360?

alemis · ‎10-11-2010

texasguy37 wrote:
alemis wrote:
Actually, AT&T should talk to Microsoft as I'm sure they're already paying a fortune to run the U-Verse platform on Microsoft. Also, you'd think that Microsoft would want to promote people using Xboxs for U-Verse as they'll likely be buying more consoles, games and other Microsoft services. Unfortunately we know that won't do any good. More importantly, Microsoft will likely be a competitor to AT&T for programming in the next couple of years. Their agreement with ESPN shows a glimpse into their future as a content provider. It's going to be an interesting next couple of years to see how content delivery shakes out...
I'm not sure anyone would incur the cost of purchasing an xBox 360 just to avoid the $7/month fee for an STB. If you are concerned wth the payback period of the current cost ($99 + $55) of using an xBox 360 as an STB, how much longer will the payback period be if you also include the cost of purchasing an xBox 360?

You justifiy the purchase by it being a one-stop media hub (u-verse, gaming, music, Netflix, etc.). It could definitely be a factor for someone choosing between a PS3, Xbox, or Wii. I think that's the way Microsoft is going (minus U-verse).

Tidefan · ‎12-05-2010

txnroger wrote:
Tidefan wrote:

paul1035 wrote:
One way that it half makes sense is if you only have your main DVR unit and you want to add an additional box. Because if you add an additional box, no matter what you pay the $55 truck roll fee to get a new box or get the Xbox kit. So technically you are only paying $99 versus $7 a month, which works out to be a little over 14 months. Now if you want to replace a box you already have with the Xbox kit, then it is pointless because it will take 22 months to recoup the costs. So in my case since I only have 1 box and I want Uverse on a second TV, I can either pay $55 plus $7 a month, or $55 plus $99.

But either way I still highly disagree with the current options as it seems over priced. Especially considering that they keep raising prices, and I'm paying X amount of dollars to get Uverse service, yet I have to pay X amount if I want to use the service on more than one TV.

Also don't forget in the $99 kit is a XBOX 360 media remote that lists for $20. Granted there is no option to not get the remote but that leaves $79 for the use of the 360. That is actually $5 less in 12 months.

On a semi related note I just ordered Uverse Monday night. I am going to be using an Xbox 360 and the sales rep actually gave me the option of purchasing the $99 kit or paying $7 a month to use the 360. It was the first I have heard of that so she might not have been correct.
That wasn't correct about being charged $7 a month for the use of the Xbox 360. This is still new and reps are getting used to it so she probably just mis-spoke.

That is what I figured so I didn't even try $7 a month.

MozMan68 · ‎08-24-2010

paul1035 wrote:
One way that it half makes sense is if you only have your main DVR unit and you want to add an additional box. Because if you add an additional box, no matter what you pay the $55 truck roll fee to get a new box or get the Xbox kit. So technically you are only paying $99 versus $7 a month, which works out to be a little over 14 months. Now if you want to replace a box you already have with the Xbox kit, then it is pointless because it will take 22 months to recoup the costs. So in my case since I only have 1 box and I want Uverse on a second TV, I can either pay $55 plus $7 a month, or $55 plus $99.

But either way I still highly disagree with the current options as it seems over priced. Especially considering that they keep raising prices, and I'm paying X amount of dollars to get Uverse service, yet I have to pay X amount if I want to use the service on more than one TV.

Not true....when I called AT&T about this I quickly decided the Xbox hook-up wasn't worth it....new cable box is being shipped and will arrive before the end of the week. No $55 fee to hook up...they're just sending an extra box to me.

paul1035 · ‎10-25-2010

MozMan68 wrote:

Not true....when I called AT&T about this I quickly decided the Xbox hook-up wasn't worth it....new cable box is being shipped and will arrive before the end of the week. No $55 fee to hook up...they're just sending an extra box to me.

Let me know how that works out for you. According to everyone else on this forum, that is not possible. But if it really does work out that way for you, then there is hope for the rest of us. Keep us posted!

MozMan68 · ‎08-24-2010

paul1035 wrote:

MozMan68 wrote:

Not true....when I called AT&T about this I quickly decided the Xbox hook-up wasn't worth it....new cable box is being shipped and will arrive before the end of the week. No $55 fee to hook up...they're just sending an extra box to me.

Let me know how that works out for you. According to everyone else on this forum, that is not possible. But if it really does work out that way for you, then there is hope for the rest of us. Keep us posted!

Hah...well, just recieved a text from AT&T saying a technician will be at my house between 9-11 tomorrow.

I called back to tell them not only that the tech visit was an issue but that I was told by the rep yesterday that I could just get the box.

The rep today stated that since they are doing some hardware updates, they are requiring a tech visit in some areas and locations are allowed to just receive the box.

In the end, she credited me for the tech visit now and I will get billed for it next month. So yes, the tech is coming at a charge of $55, but I'm not paying for it...and hopefully I will also get a switch upgrade outside my house to somehow improve my service.

texasguy37 · ‎05-18-2009

MozMan68 wrote:

Hah...well, just recieved a text from AT&T saying a technician will be at my house between 9-11 tomorrow.

I called back to tell them not only that the tech visit was an issue but that I was told by the rep yesterday that I could just get the box.

The rep today stated that since they are doing some hardware updates, they are requiring a tech visit in some areas and locations are allowed to just receive the box.

In the end, she credited me for the tech visit now and I will get billed for it next month. So yes, the tech is coming at a charge of $55, but I'm not paying for it...and hopefully I will also get a switch upgrade outside my house to somehow improve my service.

Are you adding a new STB to your U-verse system?

MozMan68 · ‎08-24-2010

Yes....currently have a DVR in the master bedroom, one in the kitchen and one in the family room. Finishing up the man cave for Christmas and adding one in there.

txnroger · ‎06-06-2006

Customer Self Install does not exist yet. If you want an extra STB installed a tech has to be rolled at this time.

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texasguy37 · ‎05-18-2009

I was ready to make the same comment. LOL

MozMan68 · ‎08-24-2010

Both the rep yesterday AND today said that it is available...just not where they are stil upgrading hardware at either the main access box or just outside the house.

Doesn't matter....I'm not paying either way.

oufanindallas · ‎02-08-2010

txnroger, if I have an STB go out on me and I'm not added a new drop, can I get one shipped or does it have to be via truck roll?

txnroger wrote:
Customer Self Install does not exist yet. If you want an extra STB installed a tech has to be rolled at this time.

” Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports … all others are games.”- Ernest Hemingway

txnroger · ‎06-06-2006

Mozman, the rep and tech are wrong, the functionality doesn't exist.

At this point a repair requires a truck roll which is at no cost.

Remember to always mark items that you find useful as "Accepted Solutions”, you can even mark multiple
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MozMan68 · ‎08-24-2010

txnroger wrote:
Mozman, the rep and tech are wrong, the functionality doesn't exist.

At this point a repair requires a truck roll which is at no cost.

It's not a repair....a simple add of a STB to a new t.v. in a new location that already has a hook-up.

Probably does require a visit with a fee since they need to verify that the coax in the new spot is working correctly and connected at my hub in the utility room.

No biggie...as long as I'm not paying for it.

texasguy37 · ‎05-18-2009

Yeah, adding a new STB requires a truck roll which is a $55 fee.

chuckbuck · ‎10-11-2010

You know, this maybe a stupid question, but if you use your xbox 360 as a stb is it in HD?

Chuck

texasguy37 · ‎05-18-2009

Yes, if you pay the $10/month HD Technology fee, you will have access to the HD channels just as you would on the DVR and STB's.

gbh62 · ‎11-28-2009

texasguy37 wrote:
Yeah, adding a new STB requires a truck roll which is a $55 fee.

Really? A $55 fee, so I can then spend $7/month more? It's one area where ATT is simply non-competitive with most cable companies.

Brighthouse Networks gives two options, both at no cost:

1) Pick up the new box, hook it up your self.

2) Let the tech come do it, also at no cost.

I wonder why at least option 1 isn't available...

texasguy37 · ‎05-18-2009

All I can say is that the tech has to be paid and there are costs associated with driving a truck. One way or the other, AT&T and the other TV providers have to cover theirs cost with their revenues. It's just a matter of what approach is taken to cover the costs.

txnroger · ‎06-06-2006

chuckbuck wrote:
You know, this maybe a stupid question, but if you use your xbox 360 as a stb is it in HD?

Chuck

Mine is, but I do have the HD adapter for the Xbox that came with mine hooked up.

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Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

txnroger wrote:
chuckbuck wrote:
You know, this maybe a stupid question, but if you use your xbox 360 as a stb is it in HD?

Chuck
Mine is, but I do have the HD adapter for the Xbox that came with mine hooked up.

The Xbox as a STB seems to output video at whatever resolution the Xbox is set to. I have one of my Xboxes set to 1080p and that is what the Uverse video signal comes out as, although I am sure only 480i,480p,720p, and 1080i are officially supported...

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

txnroger:

See if you can ask the Xbox team to add support for a "Recorded TV" button on the Xbox remote control. The "OK" and "On Demand" buttons are supported multiple times on the remote, but there is no support for a button that goes directly to the list of recorded programs...

Logical_Dolphin · ‎04-10-2009

gbh62 wrote:

texasguy37 wrote:
Yeah, adding a new STB requires a truck roll which is a $55 fee.

Really? A $55 fee, so I can then spend $7/month more? It's one area where ATT is simply non-competitive with most cable companies.

Brighthouse Networks gives two options, both at no cost:
1) Pick up the new box, hook it up your self.
2) Let the tech come do it, also at no cost.

I wonder why at least option 1 isn't available...

It just doesn't seem that at&t U-verse has the infrastructure to do face-to-face customer service. If that currently existed I'm sure that self-installs would have been commonplace by now...

Ronin559 · ‎11-26-2008

The installer just left my house a few hours ago, he told me they did not get the adaptor or the remote, and only had one install CD that they keep. The installer told me if I really wanted the adaptor or the remote he will resubmit the order and get them to me tomorrow, but by going without them I would not be charged the $99 fee for the Kit. When he left I called the 800-Number just to make sure. Tech Support guy on the phone assured me that I would not be charged the $99, only the installation fee. So I am satisfied, I have a Harmony remote already, I am only worried that I do not have the installation CD as a backup, I have a newer 360 so I don’t think the Red Ring of Death is an issue, but you never know.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

That's a move in the right direction!

I still think they'll work it out with a download eventually via XB Live.

texasguy37 · ‎05-18-2009

Ronin559 wrote:

The installer just left my house a few hours ago, he told me they did not get the adaptor or the remote, and only had one install CD that they keep. The installer told me if I really wanted the adaptor or the remote he will resubmit the order and get them to me tomorrow, but by going without them I would not be charged the $99 fee for the Kit. When he left I called the 800-Number just to make sure. Tech Support guy on the phone assured me that I would not be charged the $99, only the installation fee. So I am satisfied, I have a Harmony remote already, I am only worried that I do not have the installation CD as a backup, I have a newer 360 so I don’t think the Red Ring of Death is an issue, but you never know.

Wht installation fee?