I finally phased out half of my VZ STBs this week (the ones that I pay for that is). Sent in a 2500 (at old grandfathered price of $4.99) and a 6416 (grandfathered at $12.99).
The STBs were connected to HDTVs that also have Xbox 360's so they're now using Media Center with CableCARD tuners. Those two boxes alone are a $18/mo savings! That brings me down to two 7232's and three CableCARDs (also have three free DCT-700's). The 7232's will be next and last to get the axe in the future to save an additional $26/mo.
If VZ offered some free equipment for life promos to existing customers (ex. for contract renewals) then would it be worthwhile for me to keep using their equipment. But if not using their equipment saves me a total of $44/mo and three CableCARDs only cost me $13/mo that's huge - especially with VOD coming soon to the Xbox. I think I can live without VZ's IMG features if it saves me $31/mo...
My only question for anyone who knows the answer is where are the IMG costs paid for? Are they built into the cost of the TV package or in the rental fees for equipment? Just curious if I'd still technically be paying for VZ's IMG if I'm not using it.
