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Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video)
We're hearing that the PC version of this here software still beats out the Mac counterpart, but equality is slowly but surely becoming a reality. The main new feature over on the OS X side, however, is a good one: the ability to stream iPhone and iTunes media directly to your TV via your FiOS TV DVR. Fire up an iTunes playlist and watch the fun roll by on your home TV, and there's even support for photo slideshows and the like. It's available to download right now from the read link, and those still skeptical can catch a demonstration vid just past the break. [Via Zatz Not Funny]
EpixHD celebrates today's FiOS launch with weekend movie streaming passes for all
Right on schedule, the linear version of the three-screen focused EpixHD service will go live for FiOS TV subscribers starting at 8 p.m. Already VOD and internet accessible, launch weekend (and subsequent weekends) will spread high definition streaming cheer beyond just the fiber-connected as anyone can grab a 72 hour access pass to stream some movies (we don't recommend Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, but pretty much everything else mentioned in the launch lineup or the official PR after the break seems good.) Chief Digital Officer Emil Rensing let us know what the trip from beta to reality has been like, and while there won't be many tweaks in the experience from our largely positive preview experience, expect additional features like movie extras, behind the scenes peeks and more to roll out across the site over time. EpixHD.com/invite has the 72 hour passes, while we hear the company Twitter isn't a bad spot to check for extended access while waiting for its "movies anywhere" strategy to become officially available in your neck of the woods.
Comcast has issues with Verizon's FiOS VOD claims
The only thing we love more than analysts and surveys is content providers bickering over each other's ridiculous PR claims and none are as fun as when Comcast is involved. Avid readers are all too familiar with Comcast's strategy to give up on the linear channel race and instead focus on VOD "options" no matter how silly it makes them look to those in the know. What really makes this particular situation interesting is that Comcast doesn't appreciate it when another provider, like Verizon FiOS, gets in on the action when it recently claimed it offered 3 times as many VOD offerings a month as the nation's largest provider. Comcast claims this is just not true and there are actually at least 17,000 VOD titles available in most markets. If that is news to you, then you aren't the only one as Verizon blasts back with "I'm surprised that Comcast wouldn't talk about these numbers in their PR and advertising. We make sure to let our customers know when we're adding more to their service." Too true, Verizon, too true. Honestly we couldn't care less about VOD because we're in the small group of CableCARD users, but there's no way we could turn away from a train wreck like this.
Epix HD queues up Iron Man, Madonna and Eddie Izzard for online & FiOS launch October 30
Epix HD has locked down a launch date and lineup, confirmed for Verion FiOS subscribers so far, the festivities will kick off October 30th with television and online premieres of Iron Man, Madonna "Sticky & Sweet: Live from Buenos Aires," and Eddie Izzard: Live From Wembley. Other titles set for launch weekend are The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Madea Goes to Jail, Pink Panther 2, the Indiana Jones movie that sucked, Cloverfield, The Duchess and more. Epix has previously stated a goal to build the largest stable of movies online with a planned 3,000 titles available in the Epix Megaplex, you'll see if this whole new way of delivering a premium movie experience is all it's appeared to be very soon.Update: Epix just passed along the launch weekend schedule so check after the break for all the times (EST)
Verizon launches FiOS TV Online trial
That smug FiOS guy wants you to know that Verizon has announced the launch of FiOS TV Online, extending your sitcom addiction to yet another screen with on-demand programming from TNT and TBS (with other providers coming "soon," apparently). If you thought watching Project Runway on your Motorola Krave was mind-blowing, wait until the latest Mark-Paul Gosselaar snoozefest is available any time, any day, on your laptop! Kind of makes Twitter widgets seem rather tame in comparison. Full PR after the break.
FiOS TV expansions: August 23, 2009
Time goes by and FiOS TV just keeps on crawling along, most recently into a few more New york communities and NYU housing. Also of note in NYC is a deal to stream Yankees games over the internet, while customers everywhere can take advantage of new and newly expanded features, Read - Verizon and YES Network Team Up to Bring Online Yankees Games to FiOS TV, Broadband Customers Read - Verizon Wins Approval From New York University to Install FiOS Services in Faculty Housing Read - Two Additional Central New York Communities Take Step Closer to Real TV Competition Read - Advanced Multimedia and Remote DVR Features Now Available to FiOS TV DVR Customers Read - More New Choices Now Available From the No. 1 Video-on-Demand Service - Verizon FiOS TV Read - Verizon Adds Even More Interactivity to FiOS TV's Facebook and Twitter Social TV Widgets
AT&T also has a grudge against Cablevision
Looks like Verizon's not the only one to have beef with Cablevision's treatment of its MSG HD channels, now that AT&T has also petitioned the FCC to compel the cabler to sell the high definition feeds to its competitors. AT&T cites stats showing high definition is a big deal for consumers, with 45% saying they'd switch providers for a superior sports package, claiming it can't compete in Connecticut without the networks. Just as before, Cablevision claims it can do as it likes, that it already sells them every single game (in SD format) and that AT&T is a bigger company that doesn't need a bailout. We've had plenty of summertimes squabbles about who was and wasn't playing by the rules that ended with one side claiming they'd take their ball and go home, but we usually didn't bring the FCC in to settle it. The FCC is still on a five month clock to consider the complaints and the "terrestrial loophole," 'til it responds we can't guess how this one will end.
Media Manager, Remote DVR scheduling features reach more FiOS subscribers
New features they aren't, but Verizon has just loosed its Media Manager software and Remote DVR scheduling features to more customers, now that they're available to all subscribers with both FiOS TV and internet service. Previously available only to Home Media DVR owners, and then all DVR owners, now more customers get the unending joy of scheduling recordings even away from home, or streaming pictures, music and compatible movie formats to the set-top box from their PC.
Updated FiOS Twitter and Facebook widgets add onscreen keyboard, not friends or followers
Just a few weeks after debuting its Twitter and Facebook widgets, Verizon is refreshing them by giving viewers an onscreen cellphone-style keyboard to mash out their own tweets and Facebook status updates from the remote. Though we wonder if it wouldn't be easier to just use ones actual cellphone to spread your inane viewing habits amongst those unlucky enough to count you as a friend, the services have apparently been quite popular so far, with millions of Tweets and Facebook photos viewed since it was released. As usual, the free apps can be found in the Widget Bazaar, where Verizon CIO Shaygan Kheradpir will be looking for more tools that "engage viewers" once the SDK is released later this year. Not close to your TV (or an area with FiOS TV service?) check out a few screens of the new functionality below.
FiOS TV expansions: August 2, 2009
This week's FiOS TV roundup is all about milestones, first up is FiOS TV itself, which Verizon reported in its 2Q 2009 highlights has added 300,000 subscribers to a total of 2.5 million. Also notable is that it's been a year since FiOS was first operating in New York City, and, for those apartment dwellers still missing out, there's new technology on the way that might bring it to your residence even faster. Still, if FiOSTV isn't ready where you live but DirecTV is, there's a new bundle that could help you same some dough, while Hull, Massachusetts nabs the lone shoutout, as it granted Verizon a cable franchise last week. Read - TV Choice and Competition Near for Residents of Hull, Mass. Read - Verizon and DIRECTV Team Up to Offer Money-Saving Bundles Read - Verizon FiOS TV Celebrates First Year of Operation in New York City Read - Verizon Begins Deploying Breakthrough Optical Technology That Saves Space and Makes It Easier to Install FiOS Services in Apartment Buildings Read - Verizon Reports Revenue Growth and Continued Improvement in Cash Flow in 2Q
Verizon rolling out more apartment-friendly hardware
We can't imagine who would turn down Verizon's FiOS service because the required hardware to get fiber right into their home was too big; given the option, we'd make room -- like an addition to the home if necessary. Still, we won't argue with anything that opens FiOS up to more people, and Verizon is dropping new, smaller optical network terminal (ONT) hardware that should make the fiber service more attractive to MDU (multi-dwelling unit) properties in particular. Two new models convert the data-laden light pulses into electrical signals suitable for home consumption and measure a scant 1.25x8.5x5.5-inches and 2.5x9x8.25-inches from Alcatel-Lucent and Motorola, respectively; good news for space-conscious apartment dwellers. The good news for installers is that these new boxes are easier to install. Unfortunately, not so easy that Verizon is expanding FiOS into our market yet, but maybe you'll have better luck.
Verizon to offer Epix movie channel / streaming service on FiOS, VCast
TV channel / online service combo Epix has finally locked up its first distribution partner, Verizon's FiOS TV. Not a lot of details are available yet, but Viacom CEO Phillippe Dauman says it can offer the service a la carte, in bundles with broadband, and even plans a mobile VCast offering. We've already had a peek at the in-beta HD streams and saw a lot to like, with planned access on three screens and flicks from MGM, Lionsgate and Paramount locked up for years to come Epix is shaping up as a very formidable offering prior to its planned October launch.Update: Epix hit us off with the official PR (posted after the break) but here's the most important details - in the coming weeks, Verizon customers will be able to access a preview of the network, either through their VOD menu on the FiOS set-top box, or by visiting EpixHD.com and entering their account info.
FiOS TV expansions: July 25, 2009
Even with an extra week, there's not much to mention in this Verizon FiOS TV roundup, although we're sure the people of Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana would beg to differ, with service recently made available to those areas. In other news, Verizon was apparently pleased by the Senate approval of new FCC commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Meredith Baker, though what this means for increased broadband (and HDTV) rollout, we'll have to wait and see. Read - Verizon Statement on Senate Approval of FCC Nominations Read - Verizon Makes FiOS TV Available to Nearly 10,000 Households in Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, Calif.
FiOS TV Media Manager streaming hands on w/ video
We've seen plenty of pics of the new social aspects that kicked off Verizon's Widget Bazaar plans, but our friends at Zatz Not Funny have had a little seat time with the other major addition, video streaming via Home Media Manager. Pulling video from the internet or a PC it all looks to work pretty easily, although they noted the software did crash a few times when they tried it. Otherwise, we've heard some complaints about the codec support and a lack of video controls, but if you don't have one of those FiOS TV Motorola boxes in your living room, click on through for more pics and video to see what it's like.
Verizon gives FiOS TV some app store, social media flavor
Confirming the theory that one day soon everything will have an app store of some kind, Verizon has launched its Widget Bazaar for FiOS TV, dedicated to bringing new interactive experiences to FiOS TV subscribers, starting with Facebook, Twitter, and ESPN Fantasy Football. Don't expect to tap out 140 character missives via remote for now, at launch viewers can only view tweets, not post them or log in to their own accounts, although updating Facebook status and personalized ESPN Fantasy Football info is available. Verizon has promised to publish its SDK to enable "open development" (limited to a select group of developers of course) which should bring many free & for-pay apps to join the current (free) offerings by year-end. Also made official is the addition of searching and viewing video from blip.tv, Dailymotion and Veoh, plus the long awaited ability to stream personal videos from a connected PC, available free of charge to Home Media DVR customers. No word yet on what codecs the updated Home Media Manager software will support for transcoding to MPEG-2 and streaming to the set-top box so keep those MKVs holstered for now and check a few screens of the apps in action in our gallery or a quick video walkthrough embedded after the break. Update: Verizon let us know it will support FLV, WMV, MPEG-1, AVI, MPG, PM4/M4V, 3GP/3G2
FiOS TV expansions: July 11, 2009
It's been a slow couple of weeks in FiOS TV rollouts, but Parrish, Florida has been announced as the latest community on the list. Perhaps Verizon was distracted by its MSG tiff, but that didn't stop the company from pushing forward for access in Massachusetts and backing an act introduced to ensure people with disabilities have access to IPTV as well. Read - Thousands of Parrish, Fla. Residents Now Have Access to FiOS TV Read - Verizon Petitions FCC to Rule on Cablevision's Refusal to Make MSG Channels Available in HD Read - TV Choice and Competition Near for Residents of Kingston, Mass. Read - Verizon Statement on Introduction of 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act
Verizon / Cablevision MSG HD channel squabble goes to the FCC
NYC Metro FiOS subs will look on with interest as Verizon has petitioned the FCC to rule on whether or not Cablevision can continue to refuse offering its MSG channels in high definition to FiOS customers. Naturally Cablevision has responded calling the idea of a regulatory bailout for a phone company ten times its size "absurd," and claiming that it doesn't have to license its local HD programming to anyone. As Multichannel News explains, at issue is the "terrestrial loophole" which requires satellite delivered programming to be made available to competitors, but since the MSG channels aren't that rule does not apply. Still, it could be a while before we know if local Rangers, Knicks, Islanders, Devils and Sabers games are coming to FiOS as Verizon has asked for a decisions within five months, which, while not in time for the basketball season, should still be made well ahead of the Knicks ever being any good again.Read - Verizon Petitions FCC to Rule on Cablevision's Refusal to Make MSG Channels Available in HDRead - Verizon Files Program Access Complaint Against Cablevision
FiOS TV expansions: June 28, 2009
Nothing spectacular recently in FiOS TV expansion news, but we're sure East Syracuse, North Syracuse and Cicero New York residents are happy to be included in the communities that have reached franchise agreements to allow for upcoming service rollouts. Of course, upgraded internet speeds and related free netbook / camcorder / Entourage promotions are nothing to shake a stick at, so for those who survived the DTV transition intact, there is something new to look forward to beyond a few new local channels in Long Island and New Jersey. Read - Three Central New York Communities Take Step Closer to Real TV Competition Read - Verizon FiOS Extends the Ultimate 'Entourage' Experience to Fans of HBO Series Read - Verizon Amps Up FiOS Internet With Increased Two-Way Speeds and Launches Free Netbook/Camcorder Promotion Read - Verizon Launches FiOS1 Channels on Long Island and in Northern New Jersey; Verizon FiOS Brings Consumers an Exciting, New Source for Hyper-Local Content With News, Sports, Traffic, Weather and So Much More Read - Verizon FiOS TV Customers Cruise Through Digital Transition
FiOS TV expansions: June, 13, 2009
FiOS TV expansions continued as usual this week, with two new areas in New York signing up for the service as Verizon made note of its infrastructure investments in the area, and the company switched on access in Marblehead, Mass. Otherwise, there was a note about the VOD offerings (no mention of 1080p,) but not much else this week.Read - Video That Is in Demand is 'On Demand' From Verizon Read - Two Additional New York Communities Approve Television Franchises for Verizon Read - Upstate New York Areas Benefit Through Verizon's Network Investments for Region Read - More Cable TV Choice for Consumers in Marblehead, Mass
FiOS TV expansions: June 7, 2009
Not too much of note around Verizon's FiOS TV unit this week, but we're sure the residents of Wrentham, Mass are happy to know it's been approved for their area while Charles County, Md. finally has service available, after it was authorized May 20. How does Verizon manage enough workers to keep expansions going at that pace? We think the second link might help to explain that. Read - TV Choice and Competition Near for Residents of Wrentham, Mass. Read - For Third Consecutive Year, Conceive Magazine Names Verizon to Publication's List of 50 Best Fertility- and Adoption-Friendly Workplaces Read - Verizon Makes FiOS TV Available to Nearly 8,000 Households in Charles County, Md., Following Recent Cable Franchise Approval
