Verizon bringing full TV shows to cell phones

Cory Bergman January 7th, 2007

On the eve of CES, Verizon is taking the wraps of an upcoming new service that will offer eight channels (to start) of popular shows from several major networks. V-CAST Mobile TV, using technology from Qualcomm’s MediaFLO, will provide video at nearly 30 frames-per-second with full-length shows from CBS, Fox, NBC and MTV Networks. The service will debut on two phones, the Samsung SCH-U620 (pictured) and the VX 9400 from LG, in many major markets by the end of the first quarter. Stay tuned for more details. Press release below…

PRESS RELEASE — Were you glued to your couch to watch a great play of the big game, catch updates on the 2006 midterm elections, or witness one of those spectacular music award-show eyebrow-raisers? Have you stood in the family room, late for an appointment, because your young children wouldn’t hop in the car because they were watching their favorite cartoon? Or worse: how often have you missed those touchstone moments that affect a whole nation because you were on the move?

A revolutionary service is on the way — and all you’ll need is a great new wireless phone from Verizon Wireless. On the eve of the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Verizon Wireless today announced V CAST Mobile TV, a new and unique service that will allow TV viewers to leave the house and still watch many of their favorite TV programs while on-the-go. V CAST Mobile TV from Verizon Wireless is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007.

With an initial launch in many major U.S. markets, V CAST Mobile TV will feature the best of broadcast and cable television with live content and other programming 24 hours a day from many of the world’s best-known entertainment brands, including CBS, Comedy Central, Fox, MTV, NBC News, NBC Entertainment and Nickelodeon, representing a variety of options for all types of TV viewers.

“V CAST Mobile TV isn’t just a place-holder for broadcast programming on the mobile phone — it is the best of television programmed specifically for the mobile customer with great programs, the way they were meant to be seen, on your mobile phone,” said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon. “Television has revolutionized our culture, and wireless phones have become an integral part of our everyday lives. V CAST Mobile TV represents the convergence of these two realities. V CAST Mobile TV was designed to bring the best programs to customers who enjoy their mobile lifestyles, creating a truly exciting mobile television experience. The service has something for everyone, it will be available on hot new handsets, and is presented in a programming format that’s familiar to any TV viewer. This is a real transformation of the American media market.”

Working with its key partner, MediaFLO USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of QUALCOMM Incorporated, Verizon Wireless expects to turn on the service in major U.S. markets in the first quarter of 2007. Since MediaFLO USA operates a dedicated multicast network that delivers programming in a linear format, the integration of V CAST Mobile TV with the MediaFLO USA service means that Verizon Wireless can offer customers the latest in mobile entertainment without impacting its award-winning voice services.

The new service will be accessible on new V CAST Mobile TV handsets via a dedicated V CAST Mobile TV key. The programming will be presented in “time block”/scheduled availability, consistent with familiar cable and satellite TV models, in both Eastern and Pacific Time zones. The initial lineup will include programming from TV’s best channels and shows, including CBS, Comedy Central, FOX, NBC News, NBC Entertainment, MTV and Nickelodeon; additional channels are expected to be added to the lineup after launch. The program guide includes date, time and program information, and also allows customers to view programming details up to 48 hours ahead of the scheduled broadcast. A dedicated V CAST Mobile TV Web site will feature a customized program listing grid, a search feature to discover programs by keywords, content information and previews, and editorial and community features, as well as service information and support. The service also includes optional parental control features, consistent with existing multimedia standards, which will be accessible from the Options Menu to allow parents to set ratings for TV and movies.

V CAST Mobile TV Phones

Two impressive new handsets from mobile powerhouses will be available to V CAST Mobile TV customers — the Samsung SCH-u620 and the LG VX9400 — that also feature V CAST Music, V CAST Video, Mobile Web 2.0(SM) and Get It Now® capabilities, so customers can immerse themselves in a truly mobile multimedia experience. In addition, the Samsung SCH-u620 will feature a 1.3 megapixel camera with flash, Bluetooth® support and enhanced speech recognition with dictation for multimedia messaging. The LG VX9400 also features Bluetooth, a 1.3 megapixel camera, integrated speakerphone and an external memory expansion slot for music, pictures and video clips. Packed with features, these two multimedia phones will offer customers the latest in innovation, design and access to the services that fit their mobile lifestyles.

Pricing

Verizon Wireless will announce pricing options for V CAST Mobile TV, handset pricing and market availability when V CAST Mobile TV is launched.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

A replay of today’s teleconference from Las Vegas will be available for playback at approximately 6:00 p.m. ET at 800-310-4931. The Web cast will also be available for playback at http://verizonwebcast.vzw.com/login.php later today. Both the teleconference and the Web cast will be archived for two weeks following the news conference.