Verizon FiOS TV rolling out new set-top box Home Page

Verizon FiOS TV rolling out new settop box Home Page

In the old days, you’d turn your TV on and see video. Typically it would just play whatever channel was on last, but more advanced digital boxes might start at a main menu or specific channel. Verizon’s latest twist on that idea is rolling out video hub office by video hub office, and should reach all 5 million customers’ set-top boxes within a few weeks. Called FiOS TV Home Page, it welcomes viewers by displaying weather and other basic info next to highlighted VOD or Flex View services, all tailored to each customer’s viewing habits. Sure, some might find it useful, but others might be annoyed at seeing the screen for 15 seconds every time they turn on the TV or because there are tiles advertising package upgrades and VOD. Luckily, if simply hitting exit doesn’t stop the pain fast enough then there is an option to disable the screen completely if desired.

Filed under: ,

Comments

Verizon FiOS TV Media Server due in the coming months, delivers content to 3rd party devices


Verizon FiOS TV Media Server to be out in the comming months, deliver content to 3rd party devices

Fall is officially here and we’re closing in on the final quarter of 2012, a time when products usually get real or fade into the vapor forever. One that we’ve been waiting to hear about just got a little more real as the Verizon Media Server (VMS), which Big Red teased last December and promised in 2012, got a little mention in the company’s latest comments to the FCC. While attempting to persuade the FCC to standardize an IP content interface and delay the December 2012 deadline, Verizon revealed that the rollout of its new product will begin in the coming months. The full feature set of this server is still unknown, but one interesting feature is its ability to stream multiple high-def stream simultaneously to 3rd party devices connected to your home network. Of course without a industry wide streaming standard — again, like Verizon is requesting the FCC to ratify — who knows exactly what devices could be in the mix.

Filed under: ,

Verizon FiOS TV Media Server due in the coming months, delivers content to 3rd party devices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 02:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceVerizon comments to the FCC (PDF)  | Email this | Comments

Verizon sends invitations to closed trial of FiOS TV app for iOS with live streaming

Verizon sends invitations to closed trial of FiOS TV app for iOS with streaming

Want to know the definition of frustration? Try being teased with a FiOS TV app that supports live streaming, only to be denied when the app shows up. The end to that (admittedly mild) form of torture may be in sight. Engadget has learned through a tip that Verizon is sending invitations among a limited group to test a new FiOS TV iOS app with the usual schedule browsing, DVR control… oh, and live TV. Flex View On Demand videos and local media should be on tap as well, although it’s not clear whether or not any of the options will require an active link to Verizon’s fiber or cellular networks to watch. The trial leaves some time to go before we’re tuning in through a bedside iPhone 5; even so, it suggests the gap between hope and reality is about to close.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Filed under: , , ,

Verizon sends invitations to closed trial of FiOS TV app for iOS with live streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

FiOS TV app for Samsung HDTVs and Blu-ray players available with 26 live channels (video)

FiOS TV app for Samsung HDTVs and Bluray players available with 26 live channels video

While we saw cable and IPTV providers promising pay-TV channels without a box (at least in that room) at CES 2012 we were skeptical, since we’ve been burned before, but now Verizon FiOS TV has followed up the launch of its app on Xbox 360 by quietly releasing the version for Samsung’s Smart TVs and Blu-ray players. Like the Xbox 360 app of course, you will need to already be a Verizon FiOS TV customer, so if it’s not in your area you’re still out of luck. One of our readers noticed the app pop up on his 2011 model Samsung HDTV, and Verizon just posted a quick video trailer (embedded after the break) previewing the app’s ability to tune into 26 live channels, as well as FlexView video on-demand content. Tipster ProphetBeal noted the channel changes seemed quicker than on the Xbox 360 app, although they were otherwise very similar. There’s a few more screens awaiting you at the source link, as well as a list of compatible devices.

[Thanks, ProphetBeal]

Continue reading FiOS TV app for Samsung HDTVs and Blu-ray players available with 26 live channels (video)

Filed under:

FiOS TV app for Samsung HDTVs and Blu-ray players available with 26 live channels (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSamsung Appstore  | Email this | Comments