MUMBAI: Global providers of wireline and wireless communications Verizon has launched FiOS TV in New York and Massachusetts. The television service runs over high-speed fiber-optic cables wired directly to the homes. Verizon's new service enables the company to offer television, Internet, and phone service.

Verizon's Retail Markets Group president Bob Ingalls said, "This is not cable TV. This is not satellite. This is FiOS TV. Customers who liked what FiOS did for their Internet connection will love what it does for their TV. We've harnessed the speed and capacity of broadband with the power of broadcast to create a revolutionary, new entertainment experience."

FiOS TV is designed to be a formidable competitor to cable and satellite and delivered over Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. Fiber delivers sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. It also delivers Internet download speeds of up to 30 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps as well as high-quality voice services, states an official release.

Verizon's network design includes backup facilities not common to traditional cable systems, such as duplicate "super head ends" where the TV service receives national programming.

The service includes a broad collection of all-digital programming with more than 330 total channels. Customers get a lead offer of more than 180 digital video and music channels for $39.95 a month. More than 20 high-definition channels and over 1,800 video-on-demand titles will also be available. Channels will be grouped by genres such as entertainment, sports, news, shopping, movies and family, making it easy for audiences to find their favorite programming, the release adds.

An easy-to-use interactive programming guide that integrates HD programming, video on demand and the digital video recorder along with broadcast television into a seamless user experience. The TV service includes a dual-tuner DVR that gives customers the freedom to pause and rewind live TV, record one show while watching another, and fast forward to their favourite part of the program - all without a VCR, tapes or DVDs.