I've been using OpenDNS successfully with my FIOS router for several months. I never had a problem until having FIOS TV installed. Some "techies" might find this interesting.
My Question -- I learned that using non-standard DNS settings was probably interfering with my FIOS TV initial installation. However, once the installation successfully completes, I wonder whether it's considered safe to resume using OpenDNS, or might this somehow interfere in some way again?
The Background -- I enjoyed chatting with the FIOS TV installation technician and I distinctly remember coincidentally mentioning that I was using OpenDNS settings on my FIOS router; he seemed completely unconcerned.
After completing the installation, he observed the FIOS TV Guide would not install on my FIOS TV receiver. He mentioned that sometimes there are delays; I should allow up to an hour for the download to complete, but if it still didn't work, I should call him and he'd be able to issue a reset/restart command for the FIOS TV Guide download. Three hours later I called him, he restarted the download, but another three hours later, the FIOS TV Guide still had not downloaded.
The Symptoms -- I couldn't display any programming guide-type information. In addition, the DVR controls -- rewind, pause, fast-forward, etc -- also would not function.
As I called Tech Support, the procedures he recommended -- removing the power (unplugging) my set-top box (STB), and then plugging it in again -- had no effect. Repeated attempts failed. Once again, though, I coincidentally mentioned that I had been using OpenDNS. The technician didn't know what that was, but I briefly explained, and he concluded THIS might be interfering with getting the FIOS TV Guide downloaded.
Here's what happened next, which really surprised me: Tech Support was able to remotely command a router master reset. Who knew they had this kind of "back door"? Not I. After performing the router master reset, the FIOS TV Guide downloaded in mere moments. My FIOS TV installation was now functioning normally.
However, I've been hesitant to change the router's DNS settings again. If I don't get a definitive reply via this forum, I suppose I'll have to contact Tech Support via e-mail and ask them to carefully consider my question.
Tony