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Verizon and Redbox Join up for Netflix-Like Disc and Streaming Service
Tue Feb 07, 2012 at 10:00 AM ETTags: Redbox, Verizon, Netflix, Streaming (all tags)
Redbox is finally entering the streaming game, but just what the service will offer is a mystery.
It's about time we see the formation of a streaming service that can legitimately go head-to-head with Netflix. Verizon and Redbox have joined forces to create their own service that provides both streaming video and physical media.
The Netflix model is far from perfect, especially when it comes to the disc-by-mail portion of it. Shipping out individual discs is expensive, but it looks like Redbox will be solving that by letting subscribers pluck DVDs and Blu-rays out of kiosks.
The pricing layout is a big question mark at this point as the joint venture promises "subscription services and more" in "an easy-to-use, flexible and affordable service that will allow all consumers across the U.S. to enjoy the new and popular entertainment they want."
The launch of this new venture is expected in the latter half of 2012. Expect to see some changes at Netflix in anticipation of the competition.
Source: Engadget
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Verizon Adds over 200,000 Internet Subscribers and 194,000 Video Subscribers
Wed Jan 25, 2012 at 10:00 AM ETTags: Verizon, FiOS, Industry Trends (all tags)
Verizon is up at a time where most other companies are way down.
It's not a good time for the cable industries. Families are examining their budgets and cutting costs where they can. One of the biggest places to cut costs is in cable service, which has providers losing hundreds of thousands of subscribers a year.
Verizon is an exception to the rule, gaining 194,000 FiOS video subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2011. The number goes up above 200,000 when factoring in the 6,100 subscribers that choose to go with an internet-only option.
In all, Verizon's FiOS network grew by more than 900,000 subscribers in 2011. The count now totals 16.5 million homes.
Source: Home Media Magazine
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Sources Say Verizon Will Make a Serious Bid on Netflix
Thu Dec 15, 2011 at 02:00 PM ETTags: Verizon, Netflix, Industry Trends (all tags)
If the deal went down, it would certainly put to rest any speculation on competition in the streaming space.
Verizon has been fairly vocal about their planned streaming service. They're not aiming to be a Netflix competitor necessarily, but the plan is to start small and work up to something big. At least, that's what they've said publicly.
According to sources close to Bloomberg, Verizon is going to be making a serious bid to purchase Netflix outright. Peter Bibb of Mediatech Capital says that we could be looking at an offer in the range of $4.6 billion to go down by April of 2012.
There's been a lot of speculation about just what the Verizon streaming service will bring to the table in terms of competition, but that might not be an issue after all.
It's also possible that the Verizon bid will start a bidding war between other possible Netflix buyers like Amazon and Google.
Source: Bloomberg
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Verizon and Redbox are Partnering for Streaming Service According to Sources
Fri Dec 09, 2011 at 12:00 PM ETTags: Verizon, Redbox, Streaming, Netflix (all tags)
This potential Netflix competitor is starting to look like a very real threat.
Just a few days ago we reported on the creation of a Verizon streaming service that aims to compete in the same space as Netflix, but the guys over at TechCrunch uncovered a partnership that makes this seem like it might be a real threat to the current dominant subscription video service.
While initially it was reported that pay TV channels like Epix would be the focus, it seems that Redbox is also heavily involved in the new venture. Using the massive content library of Redbox in addition to the incredible retail space penetration, the service will certainly attract a great deal of attention.
Reports and leaks indicate that the service will charge a monthly $5.95 fee for six credits which can be used to watch movies, TV shows and the like. Content will be able to be streamed to mobile devices, tablets, computers and set-top boxes in HD though there's no word yet on surround sound.
What could be particularly interesting is a combination with this new service and Redbox rentals - allowing customers to use their credits for both streaming and kiosk rentals. We'll certainly be finding out more in the near future as the project is expected to launch in May.
Source: TechCrunch
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Verizon is Working on a Streaming Service for Everyone
Wed Dec 07, 2011 at 10:00 AM ETTags: Verizon, Netflix, Streaming (all tags)
Unlike most others, this service won't be limited to just FiOS subscribers.
When cable and satellite companies talk about streaming video, they're usually focused on people that are already giving them money through subscriptions. Verizon is looking at things a little bit differently.
According to reports, Verizon is in talks to create a Netflix like service that anyone can subscribe to - not just existing Verizon customers. In fact, the target would be those that are outside the existing market and can't subscribe to FiOS.
Initially, say sources speaking to Reuters, the service will be small-scale and focus on content from Stars, Epix and similar movie services. It's expected to launch in 2012. Pricing is still speculative, but we're expecting that they'll be trying to go a bit cheaper than Netflix in an effort to sway customers away.
Source: Reuters
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Verizon is Offering Florida Customers 500GB Multi-Room DVRs Free
Thu Mar 24, 2011 at 02:00 PM ETTags: Verizon, DVRs (all tags)
If you're living in Florida and you're a new FiOS customer, you could get a free 500GB DVR.
New FiOS customers in Florida that pick up the triple or quad-play bundle from Verizon can get themselves a 500GB DVR for free as long as they maintain their bundle. It's a multi-room DVR to boot, which means you can watch recorded content on up to seven different televisions.
"This offer gives people with multiple TVs the opportunity to control their home entertainment from the household or from anywhere," says Verizon's Southeast region president Michelle Robinson. "Choosing Verizon's FiOS becomes the smart choice for the best home-entertainment options."
The triple-play bundle starts at $99 a month, while quad-play bundles depend on your wireless plan. Either way, you'll be saving around $20 a month thanks to the free DVR.
Source: Engadget
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Verizon's Moble FiOS Apps Spread to More Devices
Wed Oct 20, 2010 at 03:00 PM ETTags: Verizon, FiOS, iPhone (all tags)
Forty different handheld devices are now capable of controlling your set-top box.
If you've got a smart phone, chances are you can use it as a controller for Verizon's FiOS set-top boxes. Their Moble FiOS app is currently available for forty different devices including Blackberry, iPod, iPhone and Android devices running 2.1 or above.
In addition to enabling your phone as a controller, the Mobile Remote allows you to fling photos from your device to your TV one photo at a time. It's a nice feature for showing off pictures or embarrassing friends with less than glamorous shots.
You can also control your DVR from your device, change what you'd like to record, set up series recordings, delete programs and browse through listings no matter where you are.
Source: Verizon
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Verizon Drops Contract Requirements for FiOS
Wed Jun 23, 2010 at 03:00 PM ETTags: FiOS, Verizon (all tags)
There's no extra charge for month-to-month service, and even better:no early termination fees.
Verizon's FiOS service has a lot going for it, whether you're in it for the fast internet connection or the assortment of channels. But until now it's had some strong negative points to it too.
Verizon has been running its FiOS services like it runs its cell phone services. When you ordered FiOS in the past, you typically had to sign a one or two year agreement, and what's worse, you had to pay early termination fees if you canceled. If you wanted to pay month-to-month without a contract, you had to pay an extra $20 on top of your normal bill.
But someone at Verizon finally saw the light and fixed that. Now month-to-month customers can get into FiOS at the same price as customers signing the contract. The difference now being that a two year agreement means Verizon can't hike up the price on you until the contract is up.
Source: Verizon
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Verizon Takes TNT and TBS Shows Online
Fri May 14, 2010 at 10:00 AM ETTags: Verizon, FiOS, Streaming (all tags)
They're also working on CBS, MTV, and FOX News.
Verizon has announced that they're bringing two more channels Online. Starting in June, FiOS cable and internet subscribers will be able to jump onto FiOS TV Online and check out shows like 'Lopez Tonight,' 'The Closer,' and 'Southland.'
Episodes will all be available within 24 hours of their original air date, according to Verizon. And from the sound of things, all the major shows for each network will be covered. Hopefully that includes Conan's new show this November.
Verizon is working with other content providers as well. You'll soon be able to get your FOX News fix any time you want it. The same goes for CBS, MTV, Hallmark, The Smithsonian Channel and The Tennis Channel.
Source: Verizon
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Verizon FiOS Expansion Comes to an End
Tue Mar 30, 2010 at 01:00 PM ETTags: FiOS, Verizon (all tags)
If you don’t it now, chances are good it's just not in the cards.
Verizon set out with a lofty goal: to wire up 18 million households with fiber optic lines for faster delivery of internet and television by the end of 2010. We’re just about eight months away and it looks like the goal will be met, but a lot of Verizon customers are left wanting.
Around a third of the company’s service area is lacking FiOS and it doesn’t look like those homes will be getting it any time soon. Verizon has stopped negotiations with major markets, and is wrapping negotiations with smaller areas.
The company is going to hold back on further expansion for the time being in order to finish up with the markets it already has and, it seems, work on profitability. FiOS isn’t cheap to set up, after all. It’s estimated that the company pays about $1,350 per home to get it up and running.
Customers in areas currently lacking FiOS will be happy to know that Verizon hasn’t ruled out future expansion.
Source: Associated Press
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MORE HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "VERIZON":
- Verizon Offers Remote Control Apps for Droid and Imagio Feb 23, 2010
- Verizon CEO Downplays Hulu – Talks FiOS Nov 23, 2009
- Widgets And Web Video Added To Verizon’s FiOS TV Jul 17, 2009
- Verizon Petitions FCC For Access To Broadcasts Of New York Sports Teams Jul 10, 2009
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