Verizon Launches Trial of FiOS TV Online, Extending Multi-Screen Leadership

Verizon, the leader in delivering high-quality entertainment experiences across TV, broadband and mobile devices, has launched a trial to bring television programming online to FiOS TV subscribers.  As a partner in the industry's TV Everywhere initiative, Verizon is taking the lead to bring customers the entertainment they want, wherever and whenever they want it.

"As the appetite for instant, easy access to high-quality entertainment continues to explode, only Verizon is able to deliver to customers what they want, wherever they go," said Shawn Strickland, vice president of FiOS product management for Verizon.  "Whether it's at home through FiOS TV, FiOS Internet or Verizon High Speed Internet or on the go with Verizon Wi-Fi or V CAST Videoo from Verizon Wireless - Verizon is well ahead of the industry in listening to customers and giving them the access and control they're clamoring for."  

Time Warner Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bewkes said, "When we first announced the TV Everywhere initiative, we hoped others in the industry would soon sign on to provide consumers with more on-demand television content over all platforms including broadband.  We are pleased to partner with Verizon to deliver TNT and TBS programming on-demand and online at no additional cost to customers and to do so in a progressive manner that builds the business for the future."

Verizon's trial includes content from Time Warner's Turner networks, TNT and TBS, and will soon include content from other providers.  Trial participants will be able to watch the programs on their personal computers or laptops - at home or away - using any broadband connection.  Using their Verizon Online user names and passwords, participating FiOS TV customers will be able to access the online programming at the networks' Web sites.

"As an industry, it's critical that we get the TV Everywhere user experience and value proposition right," said Strickland.  "Our FiOS TV trial will enable us to integrate feedback from our customers to help deliver a service that is consistent with the ultimate entertainment experience that FiOS TV customers have come to expect."

Verizon:  a Track Record of Multi-Screen Leadership

Verizon has been delivering high-quality video entertainment to its FiOS and High Speed Internet broadband customers since 2005 with online services like Starz Play, ESPN360, Disney Connection, YES Network and NFL Game Extra.  Verizon also is preparing to launch online content from EPIX, a new cross-platform premium service from Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate.

In addition, V CAST Video from Verizon Wireless brings more than 100 full-length TV series from leading broadcast and cable providers to wireless phones.  These top-rated and most-watched programs rotate with the television season, with episodes available on V CAST within hours of their first airing on television.  In the second quarter of 2009, there were nearly 40 million downloads and streams of V CAST video and music.

The Verizon multi-screen experience also includes bringing online content to TV sets.  FiOS TV customers have the unique ability to use their TV screens to interact with friends and followers on top social media sites Facebook and Twitter.   Plus, FiOS TV DVR subscribers can search and enjoy online videos from blip.tv, Dailymotion and Veoh on their home-entertainment systems.  

"Verizon's best-in-class networks and award-winning services provide an edge in delivering entertainment and information to customers across all of their screens," said Strickland.  "The launch of our FiOS TV Online initiative is the next step in our commitment to bring customers the best of what they want, wherever they want it."