Verizon IPTV gathering pace

Verizon’s FiOS TV had 943k subscribers at the end of 2007, making it the third largest IPTV provider after France Telecom and PCCW. IPTV has been a part of Verizon FiOS TV service since its launch in 2005. FiOS TV utilizes a hybrid QAM / IP platform that uses QAM RF to deliver broadcast channel programming and IPTV to deliver video on-demand content. The middleware is largely proprietary with certain elements inherited from Microsoft. The set top box is sourced from Motorola.

An innovate aspect of Verizon’s FiOS TV service is the two-part realization of the whole-home media concept, something that no other (major) IPTV provider or MSO currently offers. Part one is “Home Media DVR” service, a multi-room DVR solution that is delivered by the IP-based FiOS in-home LAN and its IP-enabled STBs. It allows a customer to view different DVR-stored programs on up to three STB-connected TVs (DVR STB + 2 remote terminal STBs) simultaneously in their home with trick-play control and the ability to pause a program in one room and resume watching it in another room. Currently this service delivers SD streams to the two remote terminal STBs but Verizon has disclosed its near-term plans to add HD streaming to Home Media DVR in 1H08.

Part Two is “Media Manager” a software application bundled (at no additional charge) with Home Media DVR. This application allows users to enjoy photo and music files stored on LAN-connected computers on their STB-connected TV, audio system or home theater.

While Verizon chose to initially launch FiOS TV using a hybrid QAM / IPTV platform, the company has stated that its long-term intention is to migrate to an all-IPTV platform in the future.