Verizon Communications has picked Tampa as the next launch site for a new “Quantum”-level video packages that include a high-end whole-home DVR set-up that is capable of recording as many as 12 shows at once and storing up to 200 hours of HD video.
Verizon, which duels with incumbent MSO Bright House Networks as well as DirecTV and Dish Network in the market, said it has launched its new FiOS Quantum TV packages in parts of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The telco’s new FiOS Quantum TV-Premium and FiOS Quantum TV-Enhanced Service tiers both feature the Arris-made Verizon Media Server (VMS), a device that’s outfitted with six tuners and 1 terabyte of DVR storage – enough for about 100 hours of HD video – that can be paired up with client devices that hang off a MoCA-based home network. All of those devices are capable of supporting trick-play functions (pause, rewind, fast-forward, etc.).
The Premium-level bundle ties together the functions of two VMSs, giving customers access to twelve tuners – enough to record 12 shows at once – and 2 TB/200 HD hours of DVR storage. To counter that offer, Cablevision Systems Corp. recently implemented an upgrade that enables its network-based Multi-Room DVR to record up to 15 shows at once. Dish Network’s Hopper HD-DVR with the Super Joey can record up to eight shows at once, while DirecTV’s Genie whole-home DVR and Comcast’s X1 platform each can currently record up to five shows at the same time.
“Expanded storage space means FiOS Quantum TV customers can store full seasons of shows they want to watch and binge on,” said Bob Mudge, president of the consumer and mass business unit of Verizon, in a statement. “More storage, more recording capabilities and more in-home viewing control enhance the TV viewing experience.”
Verizon said FiOS TV is available to nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses in the Tampa Bay region.
Verizon debuted its FiOS Quantum TV offerings last month in Dallas and Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pa., and expects to phase it into all other FiOS TV markets over the next few months.
Existing customers who take one of the new Quantum TV packages will be subject to a one-time upgrade fee of $24.99. The Enhanced-level tier is an additional $22 per month, while Premium runs $32 per month. Those monthly lease fee will vary based on the number of TVs supported in the subscriber’s home.
Verizon ended the first quarter of 2014 with 6.2 million FiOS Internet and 5.3 million FiOS TV connections.
