AT&T U-verse is a 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service that promises to integrate television, internet, and phone services. Through Project Lightspeed AT&T (originally SBC) is adding about 40,000 miles of fiber to its network. Using fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) technologies, AT&T is bringing fiber closer to customers’ homes so that there is enough bandwidth to power U-verse.

Unlike traditional television systems, IPTV uses IP (Internet Protocol) to split video into a series of data packets. In the case of U-verse, these are sent over a private network - not the Internet - which feeds multiple cities. In your home, your STB (Set Top Box) has the job of taking these IP Video Packets and reassembling them into a video signal that a TV can display. This new approach changes how video facilities and networks are built. (See AT&T’s diagram of How U-verse TV is Delivered.) In theory, there is a much larger channel capacity with IPTV than with other systems. (See AT&T’s diagram of IP Video Distribution Advantages.)

Also, because it is using IP, applications can be supported from your STB. For example, imagine playing poker with someone in another city using your remote, or sending an IM, or browsing through an online photo album. These things can all be done, and more.

Another effect of using IP is that “tuners” (required for cable and satellite TV) are not used. Some of the benefits of that include fast channel changing and the ease with which PiP features can be made available without expensive equipment. A downside is that a STB is required everywhere you want to watch TV; with IPTV it is not possible to plug a cable directly into a cable-ready TV and get basic channels as can be done with cable. U-verse comes with one DVR-STB at no additional charge for all packages except for U100, which comes with a standard (non-DVR) STB. (U100 customers may upgrade their receiver to a DVR for $15 a month, or upgrade the enitire package to U200 for $15 a month which includes a DVR and more programming.) Extra standard STBs can be added (up to six receivers in all, eight receivers by special order) for an additional charge of $5/month for each STB beyond the included one. (If you have more than four TVs you should be sure to read about the stream limit.) There is currently a limit of only one DVR per household.

Because U-verse is the first, very-large deployment of IPTV, there have been some bumps in the road. For example, the network being built will be the largest of its kind ever built. With that, comes some new technical challenges.

www.att.com/u-verse has a list of locations where you can see U-verse firsthand. There is also a video that provides an overview of the equipment and features here.

(Note that the video was originally designed for Help On Demand, so the first 30 seconds and last 30 seconds refer to this fact. The rest of the video should be meaningful.)

If you really want to know detailed technical information about U-verse, see the Technical FAQ.

With only a few rare exceptions, existing homes that do not already have FTTP (aka FTTH) will get FTTN. (A possible exception is overbuild situations where VRADs would not be appropriate.) New homes being built may get FTTP.

This may change somewhat as AT&T announces plans for its acquired footprint in the South East (former BellSouth), as BellSouth had previously deployed FTTC and FTTH with more frequency than AT&T.

A Video Ready Access Device (VRAD) is the node in AT&T’s FTTN architecture. (Diagram of architecture) It is a DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) which marks the junction between fiber and copper. VDSL (Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line) and soon VDSL2 technologies are used get enough bandwidth to your home for IPTV.

AT&T has used a few different models of VRADs, but they are tan colored boxes with a power meter next to them and are usually on a concrete base. “Mini VRADs” are also being spotted; more information about them and a picture is here. Sometimes VRADs are placed on poles instead. (Picture) Note the hundreds of little round ventilation holes and the sound of running fans when the VRAD has power that distinguish VRADs from other telephone cabinets.

UverseUsers member koolkid1935 posted these pictures of a VRAD in his Photobucket: Pic 1, Pic 2, Pic 3. (Note that many VRADs are half that size.) UverseUsers.com has a couple videos featuring VRADs: Video 1, Video 2. Uverse Users Unofficial VRAD Map VRADs are usually placed right next to or within a few hundred feet of the crossbox that connects the local street cables (called F2) with your phone wire in it to a main telephone cable (called F1) that goes straight back to the Central Office.

The current limit is 2300-2800 feet, depending on the wire quality. This distance is for the wire’s length, and not necessarily for a straight line from the VRAD to your house. The maximum distance may increase in the future. The Low Profile sacrifices MAX 18 Internet and 1 live HD stream to reduce the bandwidth and extend service from about 2800-3500 feet.

Note that telephone wires run in paths that are unpredictable to you on the surface of the earth. A VRAD may be across the street from you but your wires may actually run to another VRAD thousands of feet away or no VRAD at all. Only the telephone company knows where your wires run and how long they are.

You can get some idea of VRAD roll outs on your area if your fellow UverseUsers have put the VRAD locations in the Uverse Users Unofficial VRAD Map .

The most accurate answer that is easily available showing whether or not service is available at your location is availability lookup at AT&T Uverse .

There should be no difference in service between being 500 feet or 2000 feet from the VRAD. AT&T will test your line before the install to ensure your house will be able to get enough bandwidth for U-verse.

In the future, AT&T may launch higher internet speeds for customers closer to the the VRAD. However TV service and quality will remain the same for everyone.

AT&T does not disclose this information for competitive reasons. If cable providers knew which customers were about to be offered the U-verse service, they could run promotions with large discounts and lengthy contracts to starve AT&T from getting customers. If there is a VRAD nearby, it generally takes several months between when a VRAD is in place and when it becomes active.

Since U-verse is an IPTV service, there are several differences.

• More HD programming than most cable providers: Over 55 HD channels are currently offered, and AT&T will be able to easily add more HD channels because U-verse uses a switched IP video network. (Diagram) Also, HD-ready equipment is automatically included at no extra charge, even if you don’t originally order HD service. That means you won’t have to replace U-verse equipment (or experience higher rental fees) if you replace an SD TV with an HDTV. (Note that there is a $10 per month “HD technology fee” to receive HD channels, but that fee does not depend on the number of HDTVs you own.)
• 2 HD Streams: Many markets now have 2 HD streams available.
• Web and Mobile Remote Access to DVR: Schedule recordings from any computer with an internet connection (instructions) or any compatible wireless phone (instructions). (Requires subscription to U-verse Enabled Internet)
• Variety of TV packages with more than 320 channels to choose from, including digital music, local, and premium movie and sports programming
• Record up to four programs at once on the DVR (digital video recorder), included at no extra charge with most packages. (See note on current limitation with recording HD below)
• Total Home DVR: Watch recorded content from any TV. It appears that you cannot setup recordings from any TV (non-DVR STB), at least in this initial release. Initially available in parts of the San Francisco - San Jose bay area, presumably rolling out to other markets during Q4 of 2008. Total Home DVR thread Some users are documenting the roll out in the Application Release Tracking.
• Built-in Picture-in-Picture: channel surf on any TV without leaving the program you’re watching
• Fast channel-changing: reduced delay when switching channels than with other digital broadcast services. Channel changes should typically take less than 0.2 seconds with U-verse.
• Growing Video-on-Demand (VOD) library: one-touch access to movies and events 24 x 7
• HD VOD library: availability began in September 2008 with a limited selection of videos, but videos will be added on an ongoing basis.
• Parental Controls: easy-to-use controls based on ratings or channel
• Internet speeds are consistent Cable Internet in over-subscribed neighborhoods may slow to a crawl during peak hours. U-verse Internet speeds are consistently very close (within 20%) to rated speed when accessing sites that can go that fast.
• Faster Internet: U-verse has a tiered internet system with speeds of up to 10 Mb/s down and 1.5 Mb/s up.
• U-bar: Access weather, sports, stock, or traffic information on-screen while watching a program
• Games: Play single or multi-player games from AT&T Yahoo! Games on your TV
• YELLOWPAGES.COM Information: search for local business information on YELLOWPAGES.COM and see maps from your TV

(More information about the current U-verse features is available here)

As a new service, there are some drawbacks.

• Internet Speeds are not competitive. Very fast Internet with speeds of 15/10 Mbps and faster are available in many areas from many providers. AT&T’s Utopia, a public / private partnership has 15/15 Mbps for $39.95. Verizon’s FIOS offers 20/20 Mbps in many markets for $64.99/month. Cable operators are offering 50/20 Mbps in some markets. U-verse’s fastest is Internet Max at 10/1.5 Mbps. U-verse Internet also suffers from high latency with Ping times almost double that of other providers or DSL. A site with a ping time of 30 ms over a DSL line can have a ping time of 60 ms on U-verse Internet. The slow ping times can degrade some applications, particularly online games that are sensitive to ping times.
• “Growing pains”: Updates to the IPTV software automatically get applied periodically. Rarely, updates can cause some set top boxes (STBs) to stop working. If this happens, AT&T will come out and replace the equipment after being notified (and probably issue a bill credit). Once, a major update cleared everyone’s recordings. This is infrequent, and AT&T notifies its customers days before such an event occurs.
• Many users have said that the HD picture quality is not as good as other providers. At the same time, other users are saying that the HD picture quality is as good as or better than what they were getting. uverse.att.com has a list of places where you can see U-verse firsthand, so you may want to see the picture quality for yourself before ordering. There is also a 30-day money back guarantee, so if the HD picture quality is unacceptable you can cancel the service.
• The DVR responds to commands slowly when recording multiple streams (especially an HD one), and sometimes restarts itself
• The Weather Channel’s Local on the 8s are not local. Instead, information from places across the nation is shown. However, AT&T is releasing a weather-on-demand application that shows most of the same information and is available at any time – not just the 8s.

Since IPTV runs off software, AT&T can provide new features easily through software updates.

These features are available in most markets now. Check out the application tracking page here to see which markets have this feature available.

• U-verse Voice: a VoIP service that is coming out now to some areas. By the fourth quarter of 2008, it is expected to be fully integrated into the U-verse TV service by having caller ID information display on your TV screen when people call. For more information on U-verse voice, go here.

• Photo Sharing: Access your digital photos from your Flickr online albums on your TV; expected first quarter of 2008.
• Weather App: An improved weather application to be used in lieu of The Weather Channel’s Local on the 8’s. Some photos are here and here.

AT&T is planning on offering these features soon (the expected timeframe is listed with each feature):

• 3 HD streams: Watch or record up to 3 live HD streams instead of the current limit of 2 (for most users). (Expected 2009)

(More information about upcoming U-verse features is available here)

These features are possible through IPTV, but AT&T hasn’t committed to enabling these features anytime soon, if at all. However, AT&T has expressed interest in using the power of IPTV to differentiate U-verse from cable, so at least some of these features are likely in the coming few years.

• Faster Internet: Internet speeds of 30/20 Mbps may be coming in the distant future.
• Multiple Picture-in-Picture: Switch between multiple sports games, news programs, etc.
• Choose camera angle: Watch sports the way you want by controlling which camera angle to view

Features mentioned at TelcoTV 2007 and Cooler Than Cable:

• Caller ID and voicemail on the TV screen. Caller ID on the TV was already announced before, but voicemail on your TV is new.
• Family Finder, where a customer could pull up a map on the TV screen that shows the locations of all family members who are carrying AT&T wireless phones
• Flight Tracker, where a customer could track a flight by airline and flight name
• U-cast, where a customer could upload a video from any video camera, view it on TV via their set-top box, and share it as a channel with other customers
• Personalized content portals, with individual favorites of available and recorded content listed for each user in the home

To get a glimpse of how the program guide, Picture-in-Picture, parental controls, and video on demand work in addition to how Yahoo! games, U-bar, caller-ID, multiple picture-in-picture, choose camera angle, and photo sharing may work in the future, click here. Then click Play Demo at the top of the left column.

A stream is a flow of data. Since a stream is simply digital data, multiple set top boxes (STBs), including the DVR (digital video recorder), can easily share a stream through multicasting. That means if four TVs are watching the same show, only one stream is being used (regardless of whether or not it is being recorded). Due to bandwidth limitations, your home can only receive a certain number of streams at a time.

The current limit is four streams, but only one of those streams can be an HD stream. *A second HD stream is rolling out now to many markets. Check out the latest: Search for 2HD in the forums.

This example should help explain how streams work:

The following examples use only 1 HD stream. When the 2nd HD stream is done rolling out, this page will be updated. In the meantime, read here to see examples with 2 HD streams.

There are four TVs in all. Two TVs (#1-2) are watching the same HD show. Another TV (#3) is watching an SD show. What can the other TV (#4) and the DVR do?

TV #4 can:

• watch the same HD show that #1 and #2 are watching [this will not use a third stream],
• watch the same SD show that #3 is watching [this will not use a third stream], or
• watch another SD show (not the one #3 is watching) [this will use a third stream]

The only limitation on TV #4 is that it cannot currently watch a different HD show. This is not affected by whether or not the DVR is recording that HD show.

The DVR can:

• record the HD stream that #1 and #2 are watching [this will not use another stream],
• record the SD show that #3 is watching [this will not use another stream], and

If #4 is watching a different SD show than #1, 2, and 3, the DVR can also:

• record the show #4 is watching [this will not use another stream] and
• record another SD show [using the fourth stream]

If #4 is watching a show that #1, 2, or 3 are watching, the DVR can also:

• record two different SD streams [using the third and fourth streams]

Yes. This is explained under What is a stream and what is the current stream limit?

All packages come with one DVR-STB (set top box/receiver), with the exception of U100, which comes with a normal STB. Currently, U-verse is using a combination of two receivers.One is the Motorola VIP1200 series set top boxes. The other is the Cisco/Scientific Atlanta STBs. The number of set top boxes available is covered in What is IPTV Anyway? All of these STBs are capable of displaying HD streams and also support a whole-home DVR (see the features that are coming soon section of What is the difference between AT&T U-verse and other TV services?). For more information on the set top boxes, see this page.

The spec sheets for the STBs are as follows:
Motorola:
VIP1225 (250GB DVR; Released 12/29/2008, VERY limited supply, restricted to HD Subscribers)

VIP1216 (160GB DVR)
VIP1200

Cisco/SA:
Cisco IPN4320 (320GB DVR; Released 12/29?/2008, VERY limited supply, restricted to HD Subscribers)

Scientific Atlanta 430 (160GB DVR)
Scientific Atlanta 330

The Motorola VIP1216 and Scientific Atlanta 430 DVRs (digital video recorder) have a 160 GB hard drive and can store 133 hours of SD (standard definition) content, 37 hours of HD (high definition) content or any combination of the two.

Motorola VIP1225 DVR (initially VERY limited supply, restricted to HD Subscribers)

• 250 GB Disk
• 207 hours SD
• 57 hours HD

Cisco IPN4320 DVR (initially VERY limited supply, restricted to HD Subscribers)

• 320 GB Disk
• 266 hours SD
• 74 hours HD

The current U-verse Set Top Boxes (STB) disable ALL of the other video outputs (analog) when the HDMI output is in use. You can use all of the analog video outputs at the same time, for example, Component and S-Video as long as the digital HDMI output is not used. One interesting work around that’s been suggested is to feed HDMI to your A/V receiver and use it to pass along the HDMI while duplicating the HDMI content on the analog video outputs (Component, S-Video, etc.) of the A/V receiver. How Bout Enabling ALL the DVR Outputs

The STB may also need to be in an SD mode to enable the analog outputs: Vista Windows Media Center not detecting signal

No, there is no way to convert the other STBs into DVRs. However, AT&T U-verse WHDVR (Whole Home DVR) allows playback of recorded shows on the DVR from any STB. You can still only pause and schedule recordings on the main DVR until further software updates in the 2010 time frame (Random guess on my part). With future U-verse Software updates you’ll be able to setup recordings from any TV, watch recorded content from any TV, and even pause a recorded show on one TV and finish the show on another TV.

You need a residential gateway (RG), a digital receiver (set top box [STB]), and a remote control. Highly-trained AT&T U-verse specialists will deliver and install everything you need.

One account is here. There are many more in the Discussion by State section of the forums.

Usually AT&T will send two or three people to your house. For FTTN installs (see Will I get FTTN or FTTP?), one person will work at the VRAD for a while. Then the installers will disconnect your old cable wire and connect the U-verse line. They may make some changes to the coax configuration in your house, or they may just run new lines.

There are a couple of possibilities after that. A coax line coming from the network interface device (NID) on the side of your house may be connected to a diplexer, and a line will be run to the residential gateway (RG). Alternatively, they may use a dedicated pair (preferably Cat5e) from the NID to the RG.

After the residential gateway is operational, they will begin connecting the set top boxes. The boxes closest to the gateway may be connected via a Cat5e (Ethernet aka network) cable. The ones that are farther away will be connected via coax lines that originate from the diplexer. Each set top box (STB) will connect to the RG and download the latest IPTV software. Once the boxes are operational, the installers will connect your computers to the internet. After doing a final check, they will leave when everything is working well.

Total installation time is typically 2-8 hours, depending on how much wiring and troubleshooting they must do. In some cases the installation may take more than one day, but that is unusual.

There are several ways that your install technician can get you connected for U-verse TV. Here are some examples (diagrams courtesy of koolkid1935):

Pure Coaxial	Pure Cat5e

Mixed Version 1	Mixed Version 2	Mixed Version 3	Mixed Version 4

AT&T continues to expand its VOD library. It includes both free VOD and video rentals. A “spotlight” of this month’s VOD is at AT&T U-verse U-connect.

Yes, PPV events are available. A list of events that will be available is here. Only SD versions are available at this time.

No, a classic analog voice line is not required to use or order AT&T U-verse service.

Yes. But be advised that you will miss out on several special offers and continued discounts. Also, you will not be able to use the remote DVR feature since you won’t get an AT&T Yahoo! ID. Additionally, you will miss out on several upcoming features such as Photo Sharing and customizing the U-bar. (See What is the difference between AT&T U-verse and other TV services? for a description of those features.)

Probably not. uverse.att.com says “AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet U-verse Enabled may not be purchased separately; purchase of AT&T U-verse TV required.” Threads in the forums indicate that you will have trouble ordering U-verse Internet by itself, but it is sometimes possible to get only U-verse Internet if you originally order both TV and internet and then cancel the TV service. If your location doesn’t qualify for the speeds you need, this may be worth it to you. However, others have also had success purchasing the internet alone. It will all depend on the representative you speak to.

Yes, in most areas there are Media Center Guides available. Try your local zip code and see if it works. If it does not, you may need to use another zip code elsewhere in your market. Here is the listing for the zip code to use for your market:

CA-Los Angeles-90001
CA-Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto-95835
CA-San Diego-92103
CA-San Francisco/Oakland-94104
CA-San Jose/Santa Clara-95101
CT-Hartford-06460
CT-New Haven-06460
CT-Stamford-06460
IN-Anderson-none
IN-Bloomington-none
IN-Indianapolis-46201
IN-Muncie-none
KS-Kansas City-66209
MI-Detroit-48201
MO-St. Louis-63011
OH-Cleveland-44101
OK-Oklahoma City-73101
TX-Austin-73301
TX-Dallas/Fort Worth-75204
TX-Houston-77379
TX-San Antonio-78249
WI-Milwaukee-53402
WI-Racine-53401

Since Media Center does not currently have the IR codes to control the STB, it asks you to manually set the codes. Many people have had difficulties during this process. Here is an alternate method to allow Media Center to learn the codes (courtesy of sdwhwk):

Please note that this method was made for Windows XP: Media Center Edition. It will still work with Windows Vista however some of the menu names may be different.

1. Stick the IR Transmitter in front of the STB IR Receiver.

2. Open windows Media Center

3. Right click on the screen and select settings.

4. Click on “TV”.

5. Click “Set Up TV Signal” and Click “Yes” if it comes up on the screen.

6. On the Set Up Your TV Signal Screen, “select Next”.

7. On the Confirm Your Region Screen, make sure it is set to your region. IF it is, click “Yes”, if not, change it. Click “Next”.

8. On the Automatic TV Signal Setup Screen, select “I will manually configure my TV signal” and click “Next”.

9. On the Select Your TV Signal Screen, select “Cable” and then Next.

10. On the Do You Have a Set-top Box Screen, click “Yes” then Next.

11. On the Prepare for Set-top Box Setup screen, click “Next”.

12. On the Select a Working TV Signal, Select the one you have setup (COAX would use Channel 1-4, others self explanatory).

13. On the Set-top Box Remote Screen, Select ““Yes” and then “Next”.

14. On the Identify Set-top Box Remote, click “Next”.

15. Follow the on screen instructions. When it goes to the Remote Not Recognize Screen, select “Have Media Center learn my remote from scratch” and then “Next”.

16. On the Prepare to Identify Remote Screen, hit next.

17. On Channel Change Buttons, select the method used, (on mine I selected “No, it does not”. May be different for different areas or future upgrades) and click on “Next”.

18. On the IR Learning Screen, Make sure the U-verse remote is set on “AT&T” and hold the remote away from the IR receiver for Media Center. Hold down the number, raise the remote to the receiver until it says “Release button to continue” then move it away from the IR receiver. Keep the button held down.

19. Do this a minimum of two times until it is ready for the next button and repeat step 17. If it takes more than 4 times (one entry try and one confirm try), then make sure the remote is not in the line of site on the receiver until the button is held down for a second and that when held up to the receiver, it is no more than three inches from it. Apparently it sends some type of junk before the actual code is sent (Universal remote thing?).

20. On the Set-top Box Codes Learned Successfully Screen, click on “Next”.

21. On the Select Number of Digits Screen, select “Four Digits” and then “Next.

22. On the How Do You Change Channels? Screen, Select the appropriate option (Mine was “No, I just enter the channel number”), and click “Next”.

23. On the Test Channel Changing Screen, use the Media Center Remote and try changing the channel. Wait about 10 seconds and the channel should change (Give it a little time for the IR signal to travel down the wire to the Set-top Receiver and the TV signal to clear the video capture card buffer to the screen). If successful, select “The set-top box changed the channel correctly”, then “Next”.

24. On the Set IR Signal Speed screen, hit the channel up or down buttons at least six times. With a delay, the channels should change. It does go in order (1,2,3,4,...), so if the channel does not exist, just hit up or down until it hits a channel that exists. Select “The channel changed correctly” if it changed and then “Next”. (Signal speed should be “Fast”.)

25. On IR Signal Speed Set Screen, Click “Next”.

26. You are done. Select “Return to TV Settings” and click “Finish”.

• Current Packages and Pricing
• Comparison of Packages
• Current offers, channel lineups, availability and ordering information
• AT&T U-verse FAQ

• Market and content announcements, promotional videos, and other U-verse news
• Overview of equipment and features video
• U-verse Features Guide
• Help topics for U-verse TV and High Speed Internet

• Sales & Technical Support phone number: 1-866-746-4643, 1-800-288-2020
• Contact Us phone number from the U-verse website: 1-888-320-2167

• Much of this information comes from AT&T’s website and UverseUsers.com.
• UverseUsers member Hoosier for creating the original FAQ.