In the mixed up world of MVPDs, where cable companies provide voice service and phone companies provide programming, Verizon is a major player with its FiOS MVPD service. It says it has a new generation of its service available in Philly, and nearby parts of New Jersey and Delaware, that emphasizes interactive features.
The company is pushing its FiOS TV Interactive Media Guide to the 2.9M area households that can access the service. It says improvements were made based on extensive interaction with existing customers.
“Customers are at the center of everything we do, and that includes how we develop our products and services,” said Eric Bruno, vice president of product management for Verizon. “FiOS TV isn’t about passive video watching – it has evolved into an entertainment and information destination. Our new generation of FiOS TV is all about increased interactivity, ease of use, simplicity of design and high tech made easy.”
Verizon says the service has “…evolved into an in-depth, interactive TV experience, with applications for advanced/intuitive search, social networking, Internet video, personal media streaming, high-definition music, remote DVR controls, account management and billing functions, multi-screen/mobile viewing and much more.”
One thing that content watchdogs may be interested in are improved tools for parents. Verizon said, “New parental control options that make monitoring children’s viewing even easier, with the ability to block out portions of programming by rating during key hours of the day, like homework time, and schedule certain times for Parental Controls to be automatically turned on and off for greater flexibility.”
RBR-TVBR observation: The MVPD slugfest will go on unabated, but all contenders in that knock-down drag-out will need broadcasters for local content. It will be important to be on top of the local competitive situation and make sure your station is covering all the bases.
