Coming Soon: More HD on Verizon FiOS

Verizon’s FiOS TV service is boosting hi-def video on demand content as part of its service, the company said today. Verizon is planning to boost the total number of HD channels to 150 by end of 2008, and will take the number of HD VOD titles to over 1,000.

In the near term, Verizon is adding 75 titles to its HD library. New titles include a mix of free programs and recently released blockbuster movies, among them Transformers, The Hoax, Mr. Brooks, and the animated Surf’s Up. HD VOD is now available over the FiOS TV systems in Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va.; Tampa, Fla.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Pittsburgh. It is coming soon to the FiOS systems in the Washington, D.C., metro area, Massachusetts and Rhode Island; and to Verizon’s remaining FiOS TV markets next year.

“Whether they’re buying their first HDTV or their fourth this holiday season, HD customers always want more HD programming,” said Shawn Strickland, Verizon’s vice president of video solutions. “We’re delivering HD on demand with the same amazing picture quality that customers expect from FiOS TV — and with the promise of more HD programming in 2008.”

As we have noted previously, cable, satellite and phone companies are using HD content to lure customers and are involved in a bitter marketing war — some of them have even ended up in court.