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NEW YORK - Verizon announced today that it will use the Microsoft TV platform for the commercial rollout of Verizon's FiOS TV service, planned for later this year.
The Microsoft TV platform will support high-definition television, digital video recording and on-demand programming offered by Verizon on the FiOS platform. In addition, it will provide FiOS TV customers with an interactive programming guide that is attractive, intuitive and easy to use. Verizon and its third-party partners will use the Microsoft software to add advanced applications for future FiOS TV services, differentiating Verizon in the marketplace and bringing consumers the benefits of voice, video and data convergence.
"With FiOS TV, Verizon will be able to offer its customers more channels, more choices and great value," said Bob Ingalls, president of Verizon's Retail Markets Group. "The Microsoft TV platform not only provides us with advanced digital TV capabilities that are designed to serve the millions of Verizon subscribers we ultimately expect will choose FiOS TV, but it gives us virtually unlimited potential to evolve our interactive services into the most seamlessly integrated offering in the industry."
In addition to the robust television offering to be launched later this year, Verizon's FiOS platform gives consumers faster data speeds, and crystal-clear voice, as well as innovative new services and applications, via a single broadband connection directly to the home. FiOS TV will use the Microsoft TV software platform and Motorola hardware platform to provide an expanded channel lineup, high-definition programming and hundreds of video-on- demand titles. FiOS TV will not only offer customers advanced digital TV services, but it will also enable Verizon to provide future video applications based on Internet Protocol (IP) technology.
The Microsoft TV platform will work in parallel with Verizon's iobi service-delivery platform, which allows information to be shared across many different networks, applications and devices.
While specific FiOS TV applications are still under development, Verizon could use the capabilities of both platforms to enable customers to:
- Personalize their interactive programming guide, search through content, and schedule recording easily and efficiently from their personal computers and other connected devices.
- Incorporate IP content, personal media and communications seamlessly into the viewing experience. For example, consumers could use their TV screen to play music or view photos stored on a computer.
- Integrate entertainment services with communications and data applications across televisions, PCs, handhelds, gaming platforms and wireless phones.
A key component of the Microsoft TV platform is the Microsoft .NET architecture, which supports applications on Verizon's iobi platform as well as applications from third-party developers. The flexible .NET framework gives Verizon an opportunity to broaden its range of applications and services for customers while also opening up new revenue streams to grow its business in ways that leverage the unique advantages of the Verizon network.
"Microsoft understands IP and the possibilities of two-way broadband connectivity like no one else in the television software business. We believe they are best positioned to help us leverage the bandwidth that FiOS will bring to the home," Ingalls said.
Verizon Communications Inc.
With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 210,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.
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