Time Warner Inc. and Verizon announced on Wednesday (May 12) at The Cable Show 2010 that the companies are making new television programming available online to Verizon’s FiOS TV customers. As Time Warner expands its online TV content, the company is partnering with Verizon to bring FiOS TV subscribers the entertainment they want, wherever and whenever they want it.
Beginning in June, FiOS TV customers will automatically receive free, unlimited online access to popular content from Time Warner’s Turner networks – TNT and TBS – with plans to bring the same content to mobile devices in the near future. Verizon is working with a number of content providers to test and make available soon to FiOS customers a significant amount of additional online programming from a variety of content providers, including FOX News, CBS, MTV Networks, Hallmark Channel, Smithsonian Channel, the Tennis Channel and more. These channels will join other online video services already available to FiOS customers. These services include Time Warner’s HBO, which launched HBO Go to FiOS customers in February.
“Consumers want to access video any time, any place, and Verizon continues to expand our high-quality entertainment services, providing FiOS customers with access and control,” said Mike Ritter, chief marketing officer for Verizon. ”We will continue to work with companies like Time Warner and other early adopters to remain a leader in delivering the best content over the best network.”
Time Warner Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “Verizon has been a great partner as we’ve explored new ways for their subscribers to access and interact with our popular networks. TNT and TBS will now be available online to FiOS subscribers at no added cost. In less than a year, we’ve been able to launch our vision of delivering TV Everywhere to nearly 20 million customers nationwide.”
Once the new Turner content launches for FiOS subscribers, programs like “The Closer,” “Southland,” “Leverage,” Lopez Tonight” and more will be available free of charge within 24 hours after an episode airs on live television. These programs will be available with HD video quality for the consumer. Turner expects to launch additional networks during the remainder of the year.
FiOS customers who subscribe to both FiOS TV and FiOS Internet will be able to watch the programs on their personal computers or laptops – at home or away – using any broadband connection. Using their Verizon Online user names and passwords, FiOS customers will be able to access the online programming at either www.verizon.com/fiostvonline or soon-to-be launched TNT and TBS websites. After successfully completing their initial login, consumers do not need to sign in again for up to 30 days. Online programming from additional content providers also will be accessible via FiOS TV Online or the provider websites.
Verizon has been delivering high-quality video entertainment online to its FiOS and High Speed Internet broadband customers since 2005, with online services like Starz Play, ESPN3, Disney Connection and YES Network. FiOS TV subscribers were the first to get online access to premium services from HBO GO and EPIX.
In addition, V CAST Video from Verizon Wireless brings more than 200 full-length TV series and live sporting events from leading broadcast and cable providers to wireless phones. These top-rated and most-watched programs rotate with the television season, with episodes available on V CAST within hours of their first airing on television.
The Verizon multi-screen experience also includes bringing online content to TV sets. FiOS TV customers have the unique ability to use their TV screens to search and enjoy online videos from YouTube, blip.tv, Dailymotion and Veoh. Plus, FiOS offers TV subscribers the ability to interact with friends and followers on top social media sites Facebook and Twitter.
FiOS TV offers a broad collection of programming, with more than 565 all-digital channels including up to 140 HD channels and 18,000 monthly video-on-demand titles. FiOS also provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social networking, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management via broadband or cell phone; and more.
For the latest news, updates and information about FiOS TV, visit www.verizon.com/newscenter and http://www.verizon.com/athomeblog.