News
• Verizon’s FiOS wins approval in Ore., N.Y.
By Traci Patterson
Residents of Happy Valley, Ore., as well as residents of the villages of Blasdell and Montebello, N.Y., will soon have access to Verizon’s FiOS TV service, thanks to newly approved agreements authorizing the telco to offer its video service in the areas.
The Oregon vote makes 18 the total number of Oregon communities that have approved video franchises for Verizon. Verizon's FiOS TV service offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, 27 high-definition (HD) channels in the Oregon market and access to more than 10,000 on-demand titles, 70 percent of which are free.
The vote in New York makes 115 the total number of New York communities that have approved video franchises for Verizon. Verizon's FiOS TV service offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, 30 HD channels in the New York market and access to more than 10,000 on-demand titles, 70 percent of which are free.
• Dish Network adds local HD programming in Fla.
By Traci Patterson
Dish Network has added high-definition (HD) local channels in Ft. Myers and Naples, Fla.
In January, Dish Network announced plans to enhance its HD programming lineup throughout 2008. The satellite provider plans to reach its year-end goal of 100 local HD markets and 100 national HD channels. It now offers HD locals in 58 markets, reaching more than 66 percent of U.S. TV households.
In order to view HD programming, Dish customers can upgrade to a dishHD receiver, such as the ViP722 – a dual-tuner HD digital video recorder (DVR) that operates two TVs in separate rooms, one in HD and one in standard-definition (SD). The ViP722 can record up to 55 hours of HD content and up to 350 hours of SD content, and it allows customers to pause, rewind and fast-forward live TV programming.
More Broadband Direct:
• Court stays new rules on leased access
• Tennessee Gov. signs statewide cable franchise bill
• Comcast sees green in Denver recycling rally
• Google's Page persuading Congress, FCC to open up white space
• ACC: Cable industry donated $2B to local communities in 2006
