VerizonFiOS
Latest
Verizon FiOS Mobile app hits iPad, a virtual remote with no streaming in sight
You know that Verizon FiOS iPad app we spied back in August, the one that streamed TV and VOD content? Nope, still not here -- check back 2011. Want to use your Apple slate as a giant remote for your (HD) set-top box, browsing TV / VOD listings and remotely programming DVRs? Set parental controls and bookmarks, even update your STB names? Look no further than the iTunes store; all it's gonna cost you is 3MB of space.
FiOS rolls out 'sneak peek' of updated v1.9 set-top box software
The much anticipated new guide for Verizon's FiOS TV service is out in the wild for testers recruited via its blog, and testers report new features like eSATA support and multiroom DVR browsing are present and accounted for. Another new feature is automatic switching for 3D content, with plans for enhanced user profiles, more HD and VOD and customizable menus in the future. Of course, we're just happy to see another guide for 16:9 displays, but if you're wondering what the new software can do, check out the thread on DSLForums for a few early impressions.
Verizon's RedZone Channel-streaming FiOS Football app for iPad shows up on iTunes (again)
Though the FiOS Football app for iPad only showed up on the App Store for a short time a couple of weeks ago, it was long enough for us to fall in love with having access to RedZone Channel video and stats in our laps while keeping the TV tuned to one key game. Assuming one is at home in front of their FiOS TV with an iPad and a subscription to the Redzone Channel (a remarkably specific set of circumstances, we must admit), it's hard to imagine a better companion on football Sundays that doesn't come with an unending reserve of one's favorite adult beverage on tap. Check out our hands-on for more screenshots and impressions or hit the source links for Verizon's FAQ and the official iTunes page.%Gallery-106911% [Thanks, Michael]
Verizon FiOS Flex View shows off VOD across TV/PC/mobile screens, will stream your files in 2011
Verizon's showing off the full capabilities of its Flex View service, already available on a number of its mobile phones, which brings FiOS TV On Demand even when you're away from the cable box. Up to five devices (all set-top boxes in the home collectively count as one device) can be authorized for viewing of any titles rented through VOD and can even be played offline on PCs running its Media Manager software or smartphones. The feature that allows users to keep personal content like music, video files and pictures synced across all three screens is due next year, but still no word on exactly when that live TV-to-iPad streaming will launch.
Verizon FiOS starts rolling out 500GB DVRs
Other than clunky GUIs and a lack of modern features, the most common complaint about most DVRs provided by cable, IPTV and satellite providers is their small hard drives, but Verizon's FiOS is the latest to take a step in the right direction, offering a 500GB Motorola QIP7232 HD DVR to customers in Texas, New York and Pennsylvania. Add in the software update on the way that spruces up the interface and adds support for external storage, and you have plenty to get excited about. Check the thread on DSLReports to see what availability in your neck of the woods is like
Verizon FiOS field trial introduces XG-PON2 to the lexicon, shows 10Gbps capabilities
Verizon's FiOS footprint may be on an expansion hiatus, but that's not to say the company's abandoning existing users. Nearly 3.5 years after boosting FiOS internet speeds with G-PON, the company is now out testing XG-PON2 -- a newfangled iteration that somehow enables 10Gbps upstream and downstream from its existing fiber network. If you'll recall, we heard just a few weeks back that the outfit was close to being able to serve GigE on its existing platform, and now that this field trial has been successful, we'd say the boundaries are stretched even further. In the test, technicians were able to suck down a 2.3GB movie in four ticks of the second hand, and if you're hoping to see the nerdiest video of the day, a highlight reel of the trial awaits you just past the break. [Thanks, David]
Verizon FiOS TV finally getting tough on CableCARD users
TiVo and Windows Media Center users that rely on CableCARDs to get 'em HD goodness have had a unique reason to prefer Verizon FiOS TV over the competition, which is apparently at its last stop. You see, ever since FiOS starting deploying CableCARDs, a year after all the other cable providers, it has never enforced the pairing of the cards or used Copy Control Information (CCI) flags more restrictive than Copy Freely. This meant that users were free to swap the CableCARD to another device without so much as a call to Verizon, and more importantly, it meant that all the content was accessible via features like TiVo To Go and Media Center Recorded TV sharing. So far the new restrictions only seem to be applied to HUB HD, which was added within the past few weeks, but many believe this is just the beginning to a full roll out. A Verizon rep shared with us via email, "it's our policy that CCI is a byte defined by the content provider and completely under their control," but we're still waiting to hear back if the current CCI flag on HUB HD is indeed in line with what Discovery Communications expects, which seems odd considering the other Discovery channels delivered via FiOS TV are still marked Copy Freely. Update: Shortly after this post went live we noticed the issue went away. Still waiting to hear back if it was intentional after all.
Verizon's FiOS Mobile Remote app ready for iPhone
Verizon has had their FiOS DVR Manager app available for some time. Now, the company has released another offering to the App Store in the way of a wireless remote. Using the Verizon FiOS Mobile Remote requires you to be connected to your FiOS-provided wireless network in order for it to work. Once you follow the simple steps presented by the app, you'll be paired with your cable box and have the ability to quickly change channels, traverse the on-set programming guide, and control the DVR. You know, like the actual cable box remote already does. I've tried the app out, and it was certainly painless to set up. The controls are surprisingly responsive and, dare I say, may actually work faster than the standard IR remote. The biggest plus to using the app is the presence of a QWERTY keyboard. No more cursor-ing around an on-screen keyboard to search for programs! I'm not really sure why Verizon didn't just roll these functions into the DVR Manager app, but I guess they have their reasons. Both apps are free and on the App Store now. [via electronista]
Select Time Warner Cable customers gain remote DVR services not-so-fashionably late
If ever there was a moment Time Warner Cable deserved to be honored with an inspirational slow clap, let it be now. That's because it finally announced remote DVR service support -- a feature both Verizon FiOS and Dish Network subscribers have enjoyed for over a year. Intuitively dubbed Remote DVR Manager, it only works now via the web -- TWC iOS app teasers be damned -- and provides expected services like recording one-offs or scheduling entire series. Canceling previously scheduled recordings is also available, though deleting old content to clear more space for Glee isn't. There are plenty of other dubious caveats, like some services not being available to CableCARD users or on all TWC equipment, and remote DVR services not working on all mobile phones through its mobile optimized site. Furthermore, the service has only officially launched in five markets including: the Carolinas region, northeast region, New York city region, San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego / Desert Cities. Come October 29th, the service will expand to include five more regions, with national coverage dragging until who knows when. For full Time Warner pat ourselves-on-the-back details and a PDF user guide, hit the source link below.
Verizon, Disney deal means ESPN on tablets, ESPN 3D and Goal Line channel for FiOS
Verizon FiOS subscribers can expect a few new channels in the lineup now that it's reached an agreement with Disney for ESPN content across a variety of channels and even devices. While ESPN 3D isn't scheduled for launch until 2011 (maybe in time for the BCS National Championship game, but too late to catch LeBron, Dwyane, Chris and those other guys take on the Knicks) ESPN Goal Line will go live on the 9th for Extreme HD and Ultimate HD package subscribers (except for D.C. and Harrisburg, PA) giving live look ins at all the college football games on Saturday. Playing further into Verizon's tablet plans, the agreement also means customers can watch ESPN live channels directly on PCs or other authenticated devices, mirroring an earlier agreement between ESPN and Time Warner. Beyond that there's a new Disney Junior channel on the way in 2010 plus Disney XD and ABC Family content coming to V Cast but we pretty much tuned out once we got past the sports part. Check the entire press release out after the break.
Verizon pushes for holograms in 10 years, wants to deliver it via FiOS
Apparently, there is something out there called 3D television that's soon to be all the rage in homes nationwide (we bet our friends at Engadget HD could tell us a thing or two about it). And what does all that new and exciting 3D content mean? That's right -- new and exciting bandwidth requirements, which is music to the ears of folks at Cisco and Verizon. Hell, Cisco predicts that streaming video (including 3D content) is expected to more than quadruple bandwidth demands by 2014. But that isn't the wild part -- the company's CEO John Chambers is predicting that in ten years holograms over IP will become commonplace. Apparently, Verizon has been conducting experiments with the technology over its FiOS network -- and when not sending spooky, holographic disembodied heads out into cyberspace, its CIO Shaygan Kheradpir has been testing a 1Gbps link in his home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Apparently, this kind of connection will have to become commonplace before we start seeing holograms in our homes, but we're pretty sure that Kheradpir only pointed out this last fact to make us jealous.
Verizon FiOS will stream live TV, VOD plus your own stuff to TVs, iPads & mobile devices soon (video)
Despite whatever other tablets Verizon may have on the way, it showed off a new trick for FiOS TV at a press conference today by streaming live TV and video on-demand to the iPad. NewTeeVee grabbed the above picture of the app, which Chief Information Officer Shaygha Kheradpir says brings the same software from its set-top boxes to the iPad and other screens. That hasn't stopped potential licensing issues with offering video on off-TV devices, but Reuters reports the company doesn't expect to pay any additional fees to programmers, probably because the app will only work from subscriber's homes. While live TV streaming is a big draw, it also showed off a video on-demand app called FlexView due later this year for Verizon's new Android phones, the Blackberry Storm and Windows Mobile 6.5 (other platforms due later on, it will work on other mobile networks as well) that would let videos purchased/rented via the cable box or website be downloaded onto up to five different devices, while its Media Manager service will be refreshed with an update that lets users upload video to 70GB of cloud storage and then stream it to their PCs, TVs or mobiles. Reports indicate live TV streaming should be available early next year, we'll see if FiOS beats Cablevision to the punch. Update: ZatzNotFunny pointed out a video of the demo posted by Steve Donohue on YouTube, check it out after the break.
Time Warner Cable entering the iPhone app game
I've been a Verizon FiOS subscriber since the day it rolled out in my neighborhood, and I couldn't be happier (my bank account's demeanor is another story). Actually, I take that back, because I got a tad bit happier when the cable company released an official iPhone app that allows for DVR scheduling and management. Joy! If you're a Comcast subscriber, there's a similar app available. And, coming soon, Time Warner Cable will be rolling out their own answer to the iOS app scheduling game. Just as with the Verizon and Comcast apps, you'll reportedly be able to manage your DVR recordings, view TV schedules and setup recordings from afar. What the Verizon and Comcast apps do not have is the ability to view your recordings on your device, which, reportedly, could be a possibility with the TWC app. Imagine watching part of a recorded program on your iPad, then pick up later where you left off at home. Check out the YouTube video after the jump, which shows off a glimpse of a prototype of the app.
Verizon FiOS scores the first NFL 3D broadcast with Giants/Patriots September 2
Check off another first for 3D sports broadcasts, now that Verizon has announced its FiOS1 channel will exclusively carry the first 3D NFL game. We doubt you'll see much of Tom Brady and Eli Manning in a preseason game four matchup between the Giants and Patriots, but for the New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island subscribers already rocking a 3D setup even watching backups fight for a roster spot is bound to be miles ahead of what's been available so far. Despite keeping its 3D plans close to its vest Verizon has been working closely with the Giants to bring this broadcast to life and plans 3D viewing parties at Meadowlands Stadium (although not on its enormous new HD scoreboards) and Gillette Stadium. ESPN 3D won't kick off its own college football broadcasts until a few days later, if you can't make it to the field and are still wondering if the technology is worth it there are also a couple of bars in Manhattan and Rhode Island airing the broadcast -- Jim Sorgi and Brian Hoyer will be glad to know you're watching.
Motorola-Verizon tablet will have FiOS TV, ten-inch screen?
Sure, we've heard Verizon discuss Android tablets once or twice, but it's just now that we're getting our first real juice about Motorola's companion device. The Financial Times reports that Verizon and Motorola are teaming up on an Android tablet with dual cameras, Adobe Flash support and a ten-inch screen, plus mobile hotspot functionality (which implies Verizon cellular data) and -- get this -- access to pay TV. As it so happens, Moto makes a Verizon FiOS set-top box, and sources tell the Times that the television tablet may get grandfathered in to the very same technology. No word on processing power or price, but the rumor mill says we could see it as early as fall of this year. And given the timing, here's hoping the Android inside will have some Google TV mojo, too.
FiOS adds a couple of new HD channels that aren't the worst ever
Verizon FiOS TV subscribers are getting more than just new 3D VOD options, as it's added Nat Geo WILD HD and Investigation Discovery HD at channels 632 and 623, respectively. Unfortunately we don't have any explosive reviews of either network to offer, but we figure a nature channel and true crime stories network are pretty self explanatory. Nat Geo WILD is launching in Maryland and Virginia today and should be available everywhere by the end of the week, while Investigation Discovery HD should already be lighting your channel guides up, taking the official HD channel count to a robust 142, we'll let you decide if that lives up to the "best in HD entertainment" title.
Verizon FiOS chooses "the worst TV channel ever" for some 3D VOD
Now we know we promised to never cover WealthTV again, but honestly, FiOS signing up to put its 3D content on video on-demand (and well ahead of the holiday projection it had put out for jumping on the 3D bandwagon) is kind of a big deal. In case you've forgotten: This is the same network where the CEO, Robert Herring Sr., decided to defend his "small family-run business" from negative comments on our podcast while it was apparently engaged in a dispute with Time Warner Cable, which we shared a parent company with at the time. We addressed how laughable that claim was at the time and are eager to let bygones be bygones, so we'll take a look at the "new" WealthTV 3D and let listeners on the podcast next week know how it turns out, fair enough Rob? P.S. If it still sucks, we won't hesitate to throw you under the bus again. Hearts and kisses.
Verizon's FiOS TV expands its contract free options
Any geek who can get FiOS, has FiOS; but there are plenty out there who live in a area with the all fiber service and don't subscribe. We're sure there are plenty of really lame reasons not to switch, but not wanting to sign a two-year commitment isn't one of them. For whatever reason most don't realize that Verizon's FiOS service has always offered contract-less service, but the catch was it came out a premium -- about $20 a month. Well Verizon has been trying out something new in Florida and has decided to expand it to the rest of its markets -- and even some that are moving to Frontier. The new deal is you get the same price as those who want to sign a contract, $99 for the triple play, but are only guaranteed that price won't go up for a year. If you want two years locked in at that price, then you can sign a contract, of which you'll have 30 days to change your mind before you're committed to a $350 pro-rated ETF. We'll leave you to the math, but if you're like us it isn't a matter of if you'll sign up, but instead of which plan you'll choose.
FiOS customers moved to Frontier getting Copy Once DRM
Verizon's FiOS is literally at the top of its industry in customer satisfaction and it isn't just the fiber running to the outside of its customer's houses that makes it so great -- although no one is saying FiOS is perfect -- it is the total package including how FiOS doesn't mark any content as Copy Once or marry CableCARDs to 3rd party hardware. Well here is the first bad news for the 69,000 FiOS TV subscribers in Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin that are now Frontier subscribers. You see although the company promised regulators that customers would continue to receive the same great service, on June 10th TiVo Community members started to notice they couldn't watch recordings in another room or on the go. After some discussion, and many a call to customer service representatives, it became apparent that Frontier is purposely setting the CCI byte to Copy Once, which for all intents and purposes locks down the content to being played on one TiVo. Not much anyone can do since the FCC does allow the Copy Once CCI byte to be set on non-broadcast TV, but still, it sucks for those who are affected.
Verizon's FiOS DVR Manager for webOS is out, getting good reviews
You might recall that Verizon recently touted expanded device compatibility for its DVR Manager app, a boon for anyone looking to nab the latest episode of Income Property while hundreds of miles away from the homestead (we know, it happens all the time) -- but what Big Red didn't really highlight in its press release was that webOS was one of the platforms now being supported. As with the app's counterparts on other mobile operating systems, the Palm-flavored build lets customers "set parental controls, set bookmarks, browse and search TV programming, view the DVR status to see how much space is left for recording, browse and search VOD listings, and see their lists of scheduled and recorded programs" -- and so far, it's getting well over four stars on a five-star scale since going live in the App Catalog, a good sign for usability. We don't mean to get too hopelessly optimistic, but heck, who knows -- this might even be a good sign for Verizon's continued interest in Palm's (or make that HP's) platform in the long term.
