Verizon Wireless today announced VCAST Mobile TV, a new service that will allow TV viewers to leave the house and still watch many of their favorite TV programs while on-the-go.
With an initial launch in many major U.S. markets, VCAST Mobile TV will feature live content and 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.
Working with MediaFLO, Verizon Wireless expects to turn on the service in major U.S. markets in the first quarter of 2007. Since MediaFLO operates a dedicated multicast network that delivers programming in a linear format, the integration of VCAST Mobile TV with the MediaFLO 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 VCAST Mobile TV handsets via a dedicated VCAST 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 VCAST 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.
Two new handsets will be available to VCAST Mobile TV customers - the Samsung SCH-U620 and the LG VX9400. Verizon Wireless will announce pricing options for VCAST Mobile TV, handset pricing and market availability when VCAST Mobile TV is launched. VCAST Mobile TV from Verizon Wireless is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007.
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