Correcting FIOS Set Top Box Problems (Oct 2018)

Technology Tips – Published October 2018 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Often a problem can arise from misuse of the remote control. A common problem occurs when the set top box (STB) is turned on by pressing the STB button but the TV may not turn on. Make sure you point the remote directly between the TV and the STB and hold it steady making sure both turn on. If the TV doesn’t turn on press the TV button. Conversely, pressing the STB button should turn off both the TV and the STB. Pressing the TV button separately will turn off the just the TV. Another common remote problem occurs when the TV signal input is accidentally switched from the typical HDMI operating mode. Almost all HD TV’s use the HDMI mode. Other TV’s may use coax or other audio/video cables to produce the picture. The TV Input button is at the lower left of the Verizon remote but if it’s not set to match your cable configuration between the STB and the TV you will not see a picture.

Still having a problem? You should check the cables to make sure they are connected securely. If that fails to produce a fix the next step is to disconnect the power cord from the STB and allow about 20 – 30 seconds before plugging it back in. The STB will go through a reboot procedure, similar to a computer, that may restore proper operation. If it doesn’t work on the first try, repeat the procedure. If it fails on the second try to restore proper operation, check another STB in your home to see if the problem exists on that STB. If it does then disconnect the power cord from the Verizon router, wait 20-30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait until the you see the 2 white lights on the router then see if your STB problem is resolved.

At this point you may think that if you have had no success then a call to Verizon is in order, but hold on for one more tip. The following procedure applies if you have more than 1 STB box in your home and it is not the digital adapter type. With the TV on and assuming the box is functioning to some degree, press the Menu button. Navigate to Settings, press OK then go to System and press OK, and move down to the last item which is Import Settings. Follow the screen prompts to load settings from another box in your home. Press OK after making a selection. This procedure can correct odd problems like no sound on TV channels but sound is still heard on the Music Choice channels. This procedure is also very handy for tweaking one STB then applying all the new settings to the remaining STB’s in your home. Remember that you have to import the tweaked settings to each STB separately.

More information about FIOS and Windows 10 is available at our PC Club meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 PM upstairs in the Community Center.