Why does my TV without the Fios box only have a few channels and weird channel numbers?

Question

I just recently switched from Comcast to Fios. I only have the box for one TV. With Comcast, on the TV w/out the box, I was able to get extended basic cable (MTV, Comedy Central, etc.) Now, with Fios, I can only get the three main networks, some Spanish channels, and Music Choice. Plus I don't get this whole idea of channels that are 6.1, 127.1278, etc. What's going on? How do I get my extended basic cable back in my second TV??

Answer 1

With the upcoming of DTV coming in Feb, all TVs will need a box to get any station other than local (over the air) channels, and even then unless you have a digital TV (or HD TV), you will need a digital converter.  When you had comcast and didn't need a stb and got the extended video that is also going to change.  It just isn't Verizon, all providers will require a stb.  It all goes back to the DTV happening in Feb of 09'.  Verizon is just requiring the box's now so when the change does happen people won't be saying "What happened, I have no service"

As far as the strange channels, what they are, are the exact frequency's that they are being digitally broadcast over.  It is like any of the FM radio stations, 94.1, 101.5 etc...  

So now as stations are added they can be on 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 etc...

Answer 2

Unfortunately you don't without getting another box.  The way the Verizon's system works will not allow for 'basic' cable TV service without a set-top box.