Verizon adds HD Video on Demand to FiOS TV

December 6, 2007 – US operator Verizon has added on-demand high-definition titles to its FiOS TV service in many of the markets where the service is available.

HD VOD titles are now available to FiOS TV subscribers in Richmond and Virginia Beach (Virginia), Tampa (Florida), Fort Wayne (Indianapolis) and Pittsburgh.  The service will be offered soon to Washington, D.C., Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and will be delivered to the remaining FiOS TV markets next year.

Verizon has said that it aims to offer over 150 high-definition channels by the end of next year, and increase its HD VOD titles to over 1,000 in 2008.  The initial HD VOD offering includes around 75 titles, including recently released movies such as Transformers, Surf’s Up and The Hoax, and also free programmes.

“Whether they’re buying their first HDTV or their fourth this holiday season, HD customers always want more HD programming,” said Shawn Strickland, Vice President of Video Solutions for Verizon.  “We’re delivering HD on demand with the same amazing picture quality that customers expect from FiOS TV – and with the promise of more HD programming in 2008.”

Verizon reported that it had 717,000 customers for its FiOS TV service at the end of the third quarter of this year across 12 states, and the service was available to 4.7mn US households.