As Verizon continues to expand its deployment of FiOS TV nationwide, the telco this week rolled out its first DVR for the broadband video service.
The Home Media DVR allows subscribers to view recorded programs from any room in the house that has a television and set-top box. In the multi-room DVR configuration, Verizon's DVR set-top (the Motorola HD-compatible QIP6416) functions as the media hub, which records and streams the video and its standard-definition set-tops (the Motorola QIP2500) serve as the remote terminals. The current configuration allows subscribers to watch programming on the media hub and up to two remote terminals, but Verizon says future versions of the Home Media DVR will increase that number, as well as provide playback of protected content and playback home videos stored on a PC.
Expanding the DVR beyond the living room is one of the main selling features of the new box. Verizon says its software and technology already built into its FiOS high-speed broadband network will allow subscribers to access photos and music files from home PCs connected to FiOS and view and play them through the Home Media DVR. Music playback is in beta, with enhancements expected to be released later this year.
The service costs $19.95 per month, $7 more than the monthly fee for the FiOS TV service; extra standard definition set-tops are $3.95 per box, per month.
Verizon's FiOS TV services are currently available in California, Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Texas.
