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Verizon adds more phones to FiOS Mobile Remote and Remote DVR Manager compatibility list
Did you notice that there were some fresh devices listed when the iPhone popped up on Verizon's FiOS Mobile Remote compatibility chart last week? Sure enough, Big Red ended up dropping some PR on the matter, taking the opportunity to pimp the fact that over a quarter million users have now downloaded its two-pack of FiOS mobile apps. Mobile Remote is now available on the Nexus One, Droid Eris, and Droid Incredible -- in fact, it should work on any Android 2.1-equipped phone -- and Remote DVR Manager is live for more than 50 devices, including the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and "most" Verizon BlackBerrys. Between the two, you can control your set-top box from your couch or the other side of the world; too bad we're telling you this the day after Lost, right?
Verizon website shows FiOS Mobile Remote app coming to iPhone 'soon'
Hey, look at that. It's an iPhone -- on Verizon. Well, not quite. It's an iPhone on Verizon's FiOS TV support page, demonstrating that the FiOS Mobile Remote app released earlier this year isn't just for Android and Windows Mobile, but is also coming to iPhone OS at an unspecified date. That means that when it does, the lucky few who happen to have Verizon's fiber optic service will be able to control their TV box via the Apple handset. That does not mean, however, that Verizon's necessarily getting the iPhone. To infer that would be a mistake, as Verizon doesn't sell the Nexus One immediately to its left. Still... Verizon, you're such a tease. [Thanks, Gomar]
Verizon shelves plans for future FiOS rollouts, relocations to Massachusetts set to boom
'Tis fun while it lasted, yeah? Verizon's FiOS has provided a much-wanted (or much-needed, some would argue) sliver of competition in markets that were previously offered just one or two ISP options, and the wicked fast speeds available through the fiber-based service were just one big stream of cherries-on-top. We've personally noticed that the company has slowed down the rate at which it blasts out releases trumpeting new FiOS and FiOS TV markets, and now we know why: an Associated Press report notes that the operator has canned all public plans about expanding its FTTH home network, though it will continue to build-out where it had previously announced service (Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia, namely). Of course, Verizon never stated that it would be making FiOS a nationwide service, but after hitting at least some sections of 18 states, we had high hopes that it would keep on keepin' on. Unfortunately, it looks like you'll be forced to move to FiOS-heavy Massachusetts, or simply gaze endlessly from your apartment window knowing that you'll never feel the warm glow of a FiOS wire. Sniffle.
Eyes-on with HBO GO
HBO GO is the latest new service to bring pay TV content to your PC -- assuming you can prove you pay for cable. So today when FiOS announced that its subscribers were to be one of the first to use it, we decided to try it out. Honestly we didn't even expect it to work considering, you know, we don't subscribe to HBO. Now we're sure it won't take long before this is locked down to actual HBO subscribers, but in the meantime we spent some time playing so you'd know what you were, or weren't missing.
Verizon unveils new FiOS bundles with symmetrical 35Mbps pipes, heftier ETFs
As expected, Verizon is rolling out a new line of FiOS bundles for this perennially broadband-starved nation, and bumping up its early termination fees in the process. The traditional ETF for the installation-heavy service has been at $179, but now it's rocketing to as high as $360 to break from these fur-lined shackles. The new bundles of course don't skimp on the goodies, particularly with the 35Mbps up / 35Mbps down symmetrical service that should be a boon to HD video chats, big torrents and medium-sized torrents. For a limited time you can get into the "Prime" triple-play bundle (TV, internet, phone) for $90 a month, though that price will bump up to $110 a month after a year. Sweet enough to calm your fears about a $360 early cancellation penalty? Verizon sure seems to hope so -- no matter what sort of condescending looks the FCC shoots its way.
FiOS Mobile app comes to Android
Every decent DVR today supports remote scheduling via the web -- well except Windows 7 Media Center -- and Verizon's FiOS TV DVR is no different. But of course web apps don't compare to real apps like this new one for Android users. The new FiOS Mobile app features a guide for remote scheduling as well as VOD browsing so you can mark what you want to watch later, as well as parental controls and a free space indicator -- something TiVo doesn't even offer on the DVR itself. Of course there's no way to actually watch content from your DVR, and we're not surprised. Now before you get too jealous of Android users with Verizon's FiOS TV DVR, we'd like to remind you that the FiOS DVR has a measly 160GB hard drive and no external disk support, and as you can see from the screen shot, FiOS users don't have any free space left for new recordings anyway.
Engadget HD goes inside a FiOS TV Super Headend and Video Hub Office
If your idea of fun is going behind the scenes and finding out how your cable company's gears turn, then don't waste any time clicking on this link. On this tour the crew learns all about collecting 600 channels and distributing them around the country via fiber, complete with locally inserted ads and complying with ridiculous blackout rules. But most interestingly, we learn exactly what makes Verizon FiOS TV special while at the same time what it has in common with other cable companies. %Gallery-80524%
An inside look at a Verizon FiOS Super Headend and Video Hub
When we took a tour of one of the only two Verizon FiOS Super Head Ends (SHE) in the country It didn't surprise us to learn how much different Verizon's FiOS infrastructure is from most mutli-channel video programming distributors (MVPD) out there. After all FiOS was the first national fiber to the home video provider. But what did surprise us was how similar some things are. This isn't shocking to FiOS customers who just like many Comcast and TWC customers use a Motorola set-top, or to the TiVo and Media Center users who use FiOS with a CableCARD. Verizon entered into the MVPD business less than five years ago, which means it was able to choose to improve the design where it made sense, while sticking to what works instead of reinventing the wheel. And although not everyone can show up at a Super Headend and get a tour, everyone can click through and see a few pictures and learn a little bit about how your favorite show gets to your HDTV. %Gallery-80524%
It's game day, who's got the NFL RedZone Channel?
The wait is finally over and today's the first big Sunday of the NFL Season which means that you're probably making your last minute preparations. As far as programing goes, the NFL has done a great job of getting carriage for its new NFL RedZone channel, but of course not everyone is going to carry it -- sorry Time Warner Cable and Bright House Network customers. So here's a run down of the Winners. Comcast, Dish Network and AT&T U-Verse customers made out the best because all they have to is subscribe to a $5 (aprox) sports package. Verizon FiOS and RCN customers didn't make out as well though as they will have to pay $49 for the season without any other channels included -- but hey at least they got it. For the rest of you, not much you can do, just keep calling your provider and voicing your desires and in the meantime maybe someone of Twitter will hook you up with access to their SlingBox HD.
The RVU Alliance picks up Verizon as a founding promoter
Obviously Verizon is all about delivering a whole home DVR solution, so it's no shocker that something like the RVU Alliance is right up its alley. But we are glad to see the fiber to the home provider doesn't shy away from adopting someone else's technology -- we say this because we all know how much Verizon loves, tru2way -- and ask much as we want to be able to have access to the same content in every room of our house, we're not big on the current Verizon solution. The bottom line is that we are on the same page with Verizon here are glad to hear the CTO say that Verizon wants to "lead the industry to an ever-simpler process for integrating consumer electronics." What we hope he means though, is that Verizon will be bring an RVU server to the party so we can enjoy all those HD channels on a Samsung HDTV without a STB.
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 FiOS adds TBS HD in time for the MLB playoffs
Although just about every FiOS TV market was about to add TBS HD within the next month, if you're a baseball fan it's likely it was scheduled to be added a little too late. Every self respecting MLB fan knows that the playoffs start next week, and with 20 out of the first 20 games in HD on TBS HD, it is a must have for baseball fans. We have to say that when it comes to sports Verizon always seems to find a way to deliver the HD in time. First it was CNBC HD and USA HD in time for the Olympics, and then it was ESPNU HD in time for the kick off of the College Football season -- one of the only providers to add it on launch day too -- and now this. So if you're in one of those FiOS TV markets that's still waiting on the HD expansion to come your way, go check out channel 849 to make sure you're ready to follow the playoffs in HD -- or maybe you just want to watch Seinfeld reruns in HD.
Verizon and the NFL get serious about interactive television
When the dream of interactive television was sold to us, it was envisioned that it would be in the form of something on the TV, but honestly we really like HD video on our TV set and definitely don't want some generic looking graphics gumming it up. Luckily the trends have been more up our alley and fit perfect into our lifestyle -- which is having a coffee tables laptop instead of some cheesy book. In order to access the new features like; multiple camera angles (or all four at the same time), live chat room, on demand replays, and the usual live stats and drive charts, during games on the NFL Network, you'll need to be a Verizon customer (Internet, TV, or DirecTV via Vz). So even if the Pats v' Bucs match up wasn't enough to draw you in this Sunday, these new features alone may make it worth your while to check out.
Verizon to the FCC: We're not down with tru2way
Finally, a multi-system operator that see this whole two-way CableCARD problem the same way we do. Don't get us wrong, we want to get rid of our providers STB as much as the next, but the way we see it is tru2way isn't that great, but is better than nothing. Just like Verizon, we'd like to see "a cable-centric approach to interactive connectivity [that] does not inhibit technological innovation... or disadvantage other segments of the video marketplace." Or in other words, having the choice of what hardware that we may use on our provider's network isn't good enough, we want to choose the software too. While the rest of the cable industry thinks tru2way is open, we think it is about as open as AOL Internet access was-- so yeah, it's a walled garden. The other thing that really hit home with us about Verizon's statement, was that it thinks the approved solution should be an "all-provider" solution, meaning it should be the same no matter if the provider uses coax, fiber, copper or satellite to deliver services. We couldn't agree more, and would love nothing more than to be able to use an HD TiVo (for example) on any provider we wanted without being forced to give up any features such as HD or VOD.
Verizon rolls out 23 new FiOS TV HD channels in Fort Wayne
Right on schedule, Verizon's FiOS TV gets with the HD program and over doubles its lineup in at least one market, as the lucky devils in Fort Wayne IN get access to 23 new HD channels today. Now usually Verizon likes to roll out national channels nation wide on the same day, but because it is in the middle of shuting off all the analog channels, the lineups are being realigned market by market. Ironically, the new channels seem to be rolling out in the opposite order of the intial Verizon FiOS TV rollout, in which the initial two markets to get the service, are the last to get the upgrade. But even those poor souls in Tampa FL and Keller TX can expect all the HD goodness within the next 60 to 120 days.
Rumor confirmed: FiOS TV to add 27 new HD channels in July
Although rumors from well respected forum posters give us a good reason to get excited, there's nothing quite like getting confirmation from the source. The linked PDF is the FiOS lineup that will be effective next month in Portland and includes 27 new HD channels not currently available to FiOS customers. As you might expect, Verizon had to really shuffle up the lineup -- posted after the jump -- to add this many channels, which now includes just about every HD channel anyone would want; like eight premium movie channels and all the latest cable channels like Sci Fi HD and CNN HD. These new channels will really help propel FiOS from last to first in regards to HD quantity, by over doubling the number of HD channels offered. Unfortunately, there's no word on when the rest of the FiOS customers will have access to these channels, but if you live in a FiOS area, and the analog channels are already gone, there's a good chance they'll come sooner, rather than later. [Warning: PDF read link][Via TampaHDTV.com]
26 new HD channels for FiOS TV by the end of July?
Not many HD fans have had to go through a longer drought without new HD channels than Verizon FiOS TV customers, but with analog channels dropping like flies all across the country, we have a juicy little rumor that we just want to believe -- after all, we already feel lied to with spring half way over. The one thing that really adds credibility to the rumor that 26 newcomers will be added by the end of July is the fact that all but two markets will be analog free just in time for 26 new channels of high-def goodness. Many don't realize that Verizon is out of bandwidth on its QAM infrastructure, so in order to free up enough space for 100 HD channels -- unfortunately not all the new throughput will be dedicated to HD -- and to keep its promise to the FCC, Verizon is eliminating 49 analog stations. The bad news is that Florida and Texaswill have to wait another few months before they'll have access. The full list is after the break.
Verizon is working on bringing MLB Extra Innings to FiOS TV
With only a few months to go until Major League Baseball's opening day, Verizon's blog is reporting that a carriage deal for the MLB Extra Innings package is in the works. The package brings many out of market games to baseball fans, and was almost a DirecTV exclusive last year -- just like the NFL Sunday Ticket -- before consumer groups and the anti-trust types got involved. Now it appears that in addition to just about every digital cable and satellite provider, the nations largest fiber provider will also have the package. There's no word on how many of the games are presented in HD, but going on FiOS's track record we'd assume if the game is produced in HD, than it'll be presented in HD. The bad news is that even when the deal gets done, it won't be in all markets. We can only assume this has something to do with FiOS TV upgrades planned for 2008, that'll take care of its QAM bottleneck.
Verizon's deal with the FCC on the way to all digital
Last week we learned that Verizon was going to be handing out free STBs on its way to shutting off the analog this year, but if you were expecting an HD STB with Verizon's spiffy IMG, think again. To say the free box is going to basic is an understatement, in fact these boxes are so cheap other providers are going to be down right jealous. Because you see, Verizon struck a special deal with the FCC and will be allowed to deploy boxes with integrated security -- no CableCARD required and past the waiver date to boot -- and these boxes are reportedly about $80, compared to about $230 for the boxes everyone else has to use. While HD fans should be happy that those bandwidth hogs will be gone from the network, we can't imagine those still in the SD age will be too pleased that not only do they have to have a STB now, but a second remote that we're sure is well beyond their technical ability to program.Read - Verizon's Path to All-DigitalRead - The cost of CableCARD
Verizon FiOS to start transition to all digital in the spring
Yeah, you read that right, the all fiber optic television provider has analog signals, but not for long. Once upon a time FiOS promised the FCC it'd be all digital in time for the analog shutoff and to work towards that goal, Verizon has started sending out letters and has setup a web page to help educate its customers. So while other providers plan to offer analog simulcasts of the digital signal for three years after Feb '09, Verizon will be providing free inexpensive STBs for those in need. We assume this will happen market by market as an all at once national role out seems implausible, so if you accustomed to enjoying the dozen or so analog channels via FiOS on the remaining analog TVs in your house, you should be hearing from Verizon sometime between April and next January. Of course this is good news for HD fans, as we all know each analog SD channels uses the same throughput as two high quality HD channels -- three if your cable.
