Verizon Makes Digital Television Upgrade Easy for FiOS TV Customers in Massachusetts

BOSTON, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- With the federal mandate to phase out analog television broadcasts approaching in early 2009, many consumers remain uncertain of what the change means for them. However, Verizon FiOS TV customers are ahead of the game. Verizon FiOS TV is already all-digital, so for most customers there will be no change. At the same time, Verizon is making other changes, and it is taking steps to ensure that customers are not confused by the phaseout of analog broadcasts.

Verizon is phasing out a small number of duplicate analog channels on the FiOS TV service so all customers will enjoy better-quality, all-digital viewing experiences on every set in their homes. Until now, Verizon has provided these duplicate channels to allow digital subscribers to view some limited programming in an analog format without using a set-top box.

The company also has a small number of customers who subscribe to a service that solely offers these duplicate analog channels. Verizon will make the digital transition easy for these customers by providing them with a free digital adapter.

"As we phase out our local analog simulcasts this year, we want to make sure that our small number of affected customers can continue receiving this programming on sets they are using without a set-top box," said Bob Driscoll, vice president of marketing and sales for Verizon's New England region. "We're reaching out to those customers now to help them get their free converter box from us so they can enjoy high-quality digital programming on every set in the home."

Customers may also choose to upgrade to a set-top box that lets them see more programming, including high-definition channels, and enables full- featured, interactive services, like extensive video-on-demand programming and Verizon's innovative interactive media guide.

Verizon will phase out the analog channels on a regional basis. FiOS TV customers in Massachusetts will see the transition starting May 12. Customers have been notified well in advance by letters, e-mails and phone calls from Verizon. The company also has set up a dedicated Web site, www.verizon.com/godigital, to provide answers to common questions about all-digital service.

Advantages of Upgrading to FiOS TV

TV fans who either do not receive all-digital programming from their TV service provider, or who receive only over-the-air broadcasts without a cable or satellite connection, should consider switching to FiOS TV.

"FiOS TV makes any TV look incredible - even analog sets," said Driscoll. "The change broadcasters are making to digital signals doesn't mean you need a new TV, but now is a good time to consider the network you're using. When you subscribe to FiOS TV you can have the peace of mind of knowing that you're receiving superior quality, all-digital programming delivered over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network straight to your home."

Verizon's fiber network delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. Verizon's FiOS TV delivers more than 400 all-digital channels, including 30 high-definition (HD) channels for Massachusetts customers and access to more than 10,000 on- demand titles, 70 percent of which are free. The video-on-demand library also now includes an increasing number of high-definition titles.

Verizon also offers innovative features not available from other providers, such as Home Media DVR (digital video recorder) and FiOS TV Widgets that give instant access to information like local weather and traffic conditions. Home Media DVR has a multi-room DVR feature enabling up to three simultaneous viewings of recorded programs without requiring customers to set up a complex home network or buy extra equipment. Customers also can access photos and music on their PCs and play them on their TV.

The value of FiOS TV extends to the installation and customer support. Specially trained Verizon technicians will install the service and demonstrate FiOS TV features and services.

Massachusetts consumers can check online at www.verizon.com/fiostv to learn more. Customers can also call their local Verizon sales office or 888- 438-3467.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 67 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employed a diverse workforce of approximately 232,000 as of the end of the first quarter 2008 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon