Verizon Communications, a provider of broadband and other wireline and wireless communication technologies, is reportedly expanding its free remote-control capability to a larger range of wireless handsets. Verizon also announced a Web-based remote DVR management service to all FiOS (News - Alert) TV DVR customers.

 

These services enable Verizon on-the-go FiOS TV customers to remotely manage their Verizon (News - Alert) digital video recorders (DVRs). Officials said, customers can “remotely review, change or add recording requests, delete recorded programs, browse and search TV and video-on-demand listings, set parental controls, and more.”

 

Verizon FiOS TV includes more than 500 all-digital channels, more than 100 HD channels and more than 14,000 monthly video on demand (VOD) titles. FiOS TV offers an Interactive Media Guide that provides next-generation interactive services including news and entertainment widgets, fantasy football applications, casual games, and the like.

 

Verizon is now providing a new wireless application to FiOS TV Home Media DVR customers to enable access to their DVRs using any cell phone. To access this feature, customers need to subscribe to a data plan from Verizon Wireless or any other wireless service provider, company officials said.

 

Verizon's Home Media DVR subscribers can now record programming in standard- or high-definition mode and can view them on up to six other TV sets in the home. FiOS TV Home Media DVR is coupled with Media Manager, an application that allows customers to access photos and music from their personal computers and play them on their TV or home theater system.

 

Verizon had first introduced its free remote DVR management service to FiOS TV Media Manager subscribers in January this year. Subscribers could access the service via a Web site or through Verizon Wireless handsets.

 

“We've had a tremendous, positive customer response to the freedom, flexibility and control that our remote DVR management service provides,” said Shawn Strickland, vice president of FiOS products for Verizon, in a statement.

 

Strickland believes that the immense two-way capacity of their advanced, all-fiber network enables them to introduce continual interactive capabilities to their services. 

A TMCnet report  in January said Verizon FiOS TV decided to provide 100 or more high-definition television channels in every market where the TV service is offered. With its less pixilation and other digital distortion, FiOS TV’s advanced all-fiber-optic network is capable of giving customers the best HD experience with more channels, officials said.