fiostv
Latest
FiOS TV expansions: May 30, 2009
After taking a week off from making any expansions of note, Verizon's back to its old self, delivering FiOS TV to residents of North Texas covering more than 27,000 households in Allen, Bartonville, Colleyville, Double Oak, Flower Mound, Frisco, Grapevine, Keller, Plano and Watauga. In a look ahead, its business unit just finished testing out some 100G (gigabytes per second testing) in the UK, promising higher speeds for its optical networks in the future which we're sure will someday trickle down to the lowly consumer level. Also, the company checked in with the FCC to argue against cable TV providers from blocking its access to regional sports networks. Finally, we've just got to give a shout out to former EHD lead, current jkOnTheRun Managing Editor and good friend Kevin Tofel for getting FiOS in his neck of the woods and apparently not waiting a moment to sign up. That should about cover it, let us know if you saw any other happenings in the last seven days in the comments. Read - Verizon Asks FCC to Prevent Cable Companies From Blocking Access to Regional Sports Programming Read - Verizon Business Completes 100G Trial With U.K. Research and Education Network Read - FiOS Broadband and TV Services Now Available to More Residential Consumers in North Texas Read - FiOS IS AVAILABLE!!!!
FiOS TV expansions: May 16, 2009
This has been an odd week for Verizon FiOS TV news, with 69,000 subs finding out they will be Frontier customers within the next year (for what it's worth, the promise is there will be no changes, at least for a year.) Still, there's at least one bit of expansion to balance things out, with six new HD channels including Comedy.TV, Recipe.TV, ES.TV, MyDestination.TV, Cars.TV and Pets.TV. The future is also bright, with word that streaming internet video is coming to FiOS TV boxes with Dailymotion, Veoh Networks and Blip.TV signed on for the service launching sometime in the second quarter. It will require a PC running Media Manager software PlayOn-style to transcode the clips, but FiOS viewers can browse with their standard remotes, plus Twitter and Facebook access is still on the way. Read - Verizon FiOS TV Customers Get Six New HD Channels From Entertainment Studios Read - Verizon to Divest Wireline Businesses in 14 States; Significant Benefits to Verizon Shareholders Read - Next On FiOS: Web Videos On Your Flat-Panel TV
Verizon FiOS TV contractions: May 13, 2009
This is uh....odd. We've gotten so used to FiOS TV creeping into new areas that we've had to create a weekly roundup just to keep track, but today the company announced it is pulling out of rural areas in 14 states, turning over operations to Frontier Communications. The transition should take place over the next year, and includes around 69,000 FiOS TV subscribers in Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin, plus some in California (Note: FiOS wasn't yet available in all the areas affected by the switch, so this only applies where it was.) Fiber to the premises and video will still be provided after the merger, and the 11,000 Verizon employees in these areas will transfer over as well. The real questions is if affected subs can expect the same packages and level of service they've come to expect, but really it seems we'll just have to wait and see.
FiOS TV expansions: May 10, 2009
Time for more FiOS TV expansion news, this week Gaithersburg, MD and Asharoken officially opened their arms to the service, while Mendon, Mass shouldn't be too far behind. All in all a busy week, even without any areas actually flipping the switch on new service just yet. The last entry? Just a reminder. Read - Gaithersburg, Md., Awards Cable Franchise to Verizon Read - Asharoken Is Latest Long Island Municipality to Join FiOS TV Revolution Read - TV Choice and Competition Near for Residents of Mendon, Mass. Read - 'Hello, Mom. It's Me on the Phone!'
Verizon tells what to expect from FiOS TV in the future
During a media briefing in Washington, Gear Live got a few details on what Verizon plans next for its FiOS TV service (beyond continuing its inexorable spread that we track weekly, of course.) No details or additional pics on the 1080p VOD packing, widescreen HD menus peeped earlier, but they did confirm 1080p is "a couple of software revisions away." In the nearer future, expect Facebook and Twitter widgets that key into what you're watching, plus video streaming in the home media manager and the possibility of Slingbox-style streaming from FiOS TV Central, once the appropriate agreements are signed, of course.
Survey screens reveal potential new FiOS guide, 1080p VOD, HD purchases on the way?
We hope you weren't too attached to the old FiOS TV guide and video on-demand setup, as these screens would indicate an upgrade is on its way. Our tipster let us know these screens were a part of a survey that focused on which version of the guide was best (Verizon - we've got plenty of suggestions for you right here.) We like the widescreen layout they're indicating, and that 1080p notation underneath the Quantum of Solace box shown above isn't too shabby either. The price of $29.99 to buy an HD copy? Not so sweet. Check out the rest of the screens in the gallery and let us know if they pass the test.[Thanks, Matt!]
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: May 2, 2009
About time for Verizon to roll out some new FiOS TV expansions, so California and Maryland are the latest to offer the service in all new areas in the last week. Still, we can't move forward without looking back, so here's Verizon's Q1 numbers, including 299,000 new subscribers for a total of 2.2 million. No new HD channels this week but the Direct Kick should bring home plenty of SD soccer while Chinese programming has a 24 hour home on Sino TV. If that's not enough there's $2.99 (presumably SD) editions of Marley and Me, Doubt and Frost/Nixon on video on-demand all month. See you next week! Read - Verizon Communications Reports Revenue, Earnings and Cash Flow Growth in 1Q 2009 Read - Soccer Fans Score With MLS 'Direct Kick' Package, Now Available on Verizon FiOS TV Read - Verizon FiOS TV Adds Leading Chinese Channel, Sino TV, to Growing Asian Content Offering Read - More Than 1 Million Households in California Now Have Access to Verizon's All-Fiber-Optic FiOS TV Service Read - More Cable Choice Comes to Maryland as Verizon Launches FiOS TV in Harford County Read - Cut Movie Ticket Expenses in Half With $2.99 Box Office Hits From Verizon FiOS TV Video-on-Demand
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: April 25, 2009
With the weather warming up, Verizon's finally started adding a few more areas again, signing on seven new housing developments for FiOS TV, and reminding potential customers how easy the switch can be. Even though its YES Network deal didn't include Yankees games, Mets fans can enjoy their jetstream-less field and game on video on-demand, and everyone can celebrate remote DVR scheduling. Read - Verizon FiOS TV Offers New York Area Customers Free Mets Games On-Demand From SNY Read - Verizon Offers Ultimate Home Upgrade With Easy, Affordable Switch From Cable to Advanced, All-Fiber-Optic FiOS Services Read - Seven More Long Island and Queens Housing Complexes Sign On to Receive Verizon's FiOS TV and Internet Services Read - Verizon Expands Advanced, Remote DVR Management Service to More FiOS TV Customers
Verizon FiOS HD DVR owners all granted Remote DVR access, cellphone scheduling costs extra
It isn't an iPhone app, but we're sure plenty of people can appreciate Verizon's new, more widely available Remote DVR Management program. Previously limited to FiOS TV Media Manager subscribers only, accessed by the website or select VZW phones, now any FiOS DVR subscriber can queue up recordings via the website, while Media Manager subs can use http://m.verizon.com/tv from any cellphone, on any carrier for remote DVR programming. [Thanks, Scott! Via Phone Scoop]
Verizon welcomes HD DVR owners, all cellphones to the Remote DVR party
It isn't an iPhone app, but we're sure plenty of people can appreciate Verizon's new, more widely available Remote DVR Management program. Previously limited to FiOS TV Media Manager subscribers only, accessed by the website or select VZW phones, now any FiOS DVR subscriber can queue up recordings via the website, while Media Manager subs can use http://m.verizon.com/tv from any cellphone, on any carrier for remote DVR programming. [Thanks, Scott! Via Phone Scoop]
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: April 18, 2009
This week Verizon announced it was including the YES Network in its package nationally (sans-Yankees games) in addition to all the VOD from last week. Expect those expansion announcements to start picking back up now that the Allentown, PA city council's approved FiOS TV for the area, however with an eight year window to become available, who knows when that could hit, and finally, a few reminders of how to stay Green on Earth Day.Read - Allentown, Pa., Residents Major Step Closer to Verizon FiOS TV -- a Better Choice for Cable TV ServiceRead - 10 Simple Tips on How Technology Can Help Everyone Be Green on Earth Day - and Every DayRead - Verizon to Distribute the YES Network Nationally in High Definition to FiOS 'Extreme HD' Subscribers, Under Multiyear Agreement
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: April 11, 2009
This week Verizon's taken some time off from its expansionist FiOS TV policies, instead highlighting the upcoming UEFA Champions League playoffs subscribers can catch on ESPN 360, and a new multiyear deal making it the first distributor to offer Yankees games on-demand from the YES Network. Otherwise, we've got the obligatory response to the FCC's national broadband plans, we'll be back next week to see if there's any new rollouts to speak of. Read - Verizon and ESPN360.com Bring High-Powered European Soccer League Playoffs to American Online Audience Read - Verizon Statement on FCC Broadband Plan Read - YES Network and Verizon Reach Multiyear Video-on-Demand Agreement
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: April 4, 2009
Light week on FiOS TV expansion news, now that the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network HD is on the air, it's broadcasting around Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The lack of expansion news apparently left time for Verizon to congratulate itself on running a successful Community Forums project that's already borne fruit by pushing forward a software upgrade to dim annoying lights on the company's set-top boxes. Check 'em out if you've a problem or solution, apparently someone is listening. Read - FiOS TV Adds Mid-Atlantic Sports Network in High-Definition for Virginia Subscribers in Richmond, Hampton Roads Read - FiOS TV Adds Mid-Atlantic Sports Network in High-Definition for Subscribers in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia Read - Verizon's Online Community Forums Provide Enhanced Customer Service
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: March 28, 2009
Not much to report on the FiOS TV front this week, but we couldn't resist passing along two nuggets that are definitely pertinent for folks looking for more local content or residing in Marblehead, Massachusetts. As for the former, a spokesman has reportedly revealed that Verizon wants to "offer local television services in markets beyond the Washington DC metropolitan area," and we're hearing that the New York market may be one of the first to take part outside of the DC area. As for the latter, the Marblehead Board of Selectmen have granted a cable franchise to the carrier, paving the way for FiOS TV to become available soon. Here's hoping for a bit more action over the next seven days!Read - Local TV expansionRead - Marblehead, MA expansion
New Jersey sues Verizon over deceptive FiOS practices
Verizon Communications has just been slapped with a lawsuit from New Jersey's Attorney General, who alleges that the company engaged in "deceptive and misleading" sales, billing and customer service practices related to its FiOS services. Mind you, this is far from the first time we've heard outrage over poor FiOS service, but Verizon New Jersey president Dennis Bone asserts that the majority of the issues raised by the attorney general are "related primarily to the start-up of the FiOS business nearly two years ago in New Jersey and have been largely addressed." Of course, just because things are sailing smoothly now doesn't mean that justice shouldn't be served, but we will concur that we've heard far less grumbling of late compared to years ago. Who knew offering up free TVs to get folks to sign up would lead to this much turmoil?
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: March 21, 2009
We'll be honest -- Verizon didn't give us much to yap about this week in the world of FiOS TV. That said, we're sure the residents of Clay, New York are elated to hear that FiOS TV will soon be on its way, while unemployed individuals in Roanoke and Richmond, Virginia can try their hand as a Verizon CSR if they so choose. Here's hoping for more on this front next week, but till then, you can dig in to the most recent happenings below.Read - FiOS TV to Clay, New YorkRead - FiOS internet to Windfall, IndianaRead - Jobs in Roanoke, VARead - Jobs in Richmond, VA
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: March 14, 2009
Good to see some life in ya, Verizon -- for a minute there, we were getting a touch worried. This week, the fiber carrier has has announced that small businesses can order up FiOS TV For Business for as low as $12.99 per month, not to mention that another Maryland town is granting the company a cable franchise. Also of note, MLB Network HD and MLB Extra Innings have arrived in time for baseball season, while more Sony and Turner Networks VOD programming should be hitting each and every FiOS TV neighborhood. Not a bad week! 'Til this time seven days from now, stay classy.Read - FiOS TV For BusinessRead - FiOS TV coming to Aberdeen, MarylandRead - MLB Network HD / MLB Extra InningsRead - FiOS TV gets Sony / Turner Networks VOD
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: March 7, 2009
Apparently Verizon has rid itself of the obsessive need to add Golf Channel HD to every area it serves, but in doing so, it also rid itself of the desire to do just about anything else FiOS TV-related. This week, we're seeing the fiber-based service spread to three new JPI apartment buildings in Washington, D.C.'s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood along with the opening of a FiOS Services store in Yonkers, New York. Outside of that, all's quiet on the FiOS TV front. 'Til next week, stay classy, planet Earth.Read - Store in YonkersRead - Washington, D.C. expansion
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: February 28, 2009
There hasn't been a lot of FiOS TV expansion since the year became 2009, but those in existing areas have definitely been seeing new material. To that end, we've got a number of locales getting Golf Channel HD this week along with 60 new job openings for a New Jersey support center. Per usual, the details are below. We'll see you right back here next week -- here's hoping some good news hits your neighborhood within the next seven days.Read - New jobs in New JerseyRead - Golf Channel HD in North TexasRead - Golf Channel HD in MassachusettsRead - Golf Channel HD in Rhode Island
Verizon Home wares show up on mobile portal
We knew Verizon was planning remote scheduling for its Home Media DVR, and its Hub is evidence of its willingness to dabble in whole-home devices, but this... this, is interesting. A tipster over at ZatzNotFunny has pointed out that Verizon already has a mobile portal up for its Home products, and given that it's accessible via mobile web, it's completely platform agnostic. We're also told (and shown, after the break) that the portal works despite its "beta" label, as the user was able to schedule a recording on his FiOS TV set-top-box from his handset. We're not sure when Verizon plans on making this more public than it has already become, but why not fire it up on your cellphone and see how it goes?[Via ZatzNotFunny]
