Verizon Taps ON Networks to Expand FiOS TV High-Definition Video-On-Demand Programming

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Verizon and ON Networks®, Inc. (ON) today announced that Verizon’s FiOS TV customers will now have access to high-definition (HD) original digital TV shows from ON Networks. These shows can be watched any time for free on FiOS TV’s video-on-demand (VOD) service, which customers access by pressing the “VOD” or “On Demand” button on their remote control, by using the main menu on FiOS TV’s interactive media guide, or by selecting the VOD channel.

“In line with the growth of HD TV programming, we’re seeing increased priority placed on fresh, original series. We’re excited to help Verizon bring its growing customer base one of the largest libraries of original HD content available.”

The market for HD TV services is expected to exceed $2 billion in the next few years, according to telecom research firm Pike & Fisher. With consumer demand for HD programming growing, ON Networks will help Verizon deliver more original HD programs to viewers, where and when they want it.

“As the popularity of high-definition programming continues to grow, we are delivering the best in HD video-on-demand content, and that now includes ON Networks,” said Shawn Strickland, Verizon’s vice president of video solutions. “With 10,000 titles each month, our overall video-on-demand library is the industry’s largest, and we plan to offer more than 1,000 high-definition video-on-demand titles each month by the end of the year.”

Kip McClanahan, CEO of ON Networks, said, “In line with the growth of HD TV programming, we’re seeing increased priority placed on fresh, original series. We’re excited to help Verizon bring its growing customer base one of the largest libraries of original HD content available.”

ON Networks programs available to Verizon FiOS subscribers include popular hits like “Backpack Picnic,” “Dinner with the Band,” “Food Science,” “Golf Tips with Joe Beck” and “Proper Ollie.”

Verizon FiOS TV is delivered over the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network, straight to customers’ homes. FiOS TV offers more than 400 all-digital channels, including approximately 30 high-definition channels in most markets, and access to more than 10,000 on-demand titles, 70 percent of which are free.

ON Networks is one of the world’s largest independent providers of original, multi-screen HD TV programming. Four of ON Networks programs were ranked among iTunes “Best of” in 2007, and five were named Webby 2008 nominees or honorees. Covering a wide range of topics and lifestyles, shows from ON Networks are created around the world and distributed across the company’s exclusive, AllScreen™ content network. For more information about ON Networks, visit www.onnetworks.com.

ON Networks, Inc., Original programming for Original people™

ON Networks is a digital media innovator leading the change in how digital TV programs are created, distributed and consumed. ON engages consumers through original HD series and unique brand experiences that connect viewers to their passions, introducing a world of relevant, smart content that’s accessible wherever, however and whenever viewers choose. Based in Austin, Texas, ON is a privately-held company backed by Accel Partners, Austin Ventures, AT&T and S3 Ventures.

Verizon

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.

ON Networks is a registered trademark of ON Networks, Inc. Original Programming for Original People is a trademark of ON Networks, Inc. All other names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.