Two giants launch video service: Verizon teams with Microsoft to enter TV business midyear.(Technology)

Broadcasting & Cable, February, 2005 by Kerschbaumer, Ken

As the line between phone companies and cable companies blurs, Verizon is the latest telco to get into the TV game. Teaming up with Microsoft, the world's largest software company, Verizon is transforming itself into a TV-delivery powerhouse. It will use Microsoft's electronic programming guide as part of the video service launching on Motorola digital set-top boxes midyear.

Key to the telco's success strategy is using the same delivery technologies that cable systems do (QAM), ensuring a similar viewing experience. But unlike cable, which uses both coaxial cable and fiber, Verizon will rely solely on fiber. The result? It will be able to offer even more cable channels, as well as telephone and broadband services, since it will exceed cable's...

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