MUMBAI: Verizon launched a full suite of archive and specially tailored Disney content video content on its broadband service and Fios TV on-demand platform.
The two companies had announced a broad content agreement in September to dveelop video-on-demand and other content for the Verizon's new FiOS TV service.
Subscribers to Verizon Online DSL or Verizon FiOS Internet access will be able to watch programing provided by ABC News Now, Disney Connection, ESPN360 and Movies.com Max. An online extension of Disney-owned cable channel SoapNet, Soapnetic, will be added this year.
Verizon's new FiOS TV service will make available more than 80 hours a month of on-demand programing from Disney Channel, Toon Disney, Radio Disney, Jetix, ABC News, ABC Family, SoapNet, ESPN Desportes and ESPNU.
A comprehensive video archive of Statler and Waldorf's pearls of wisdom is just one element of the wide-ranging content being served up to Verizon's online customers via its fibre optic-based FiOS TV service.
Disney is using FiOS to premiere original movies from Disney Channel, Jetix and Playhouse Disney as well as new episodes of TV series including The Emperor's New School and Little Einsteins.
Also available are new-release movies from Buena Vista Pay Television, costing US$3.95 each on demand, with classics such as Dumbo and Alice In Wonderland being added soon for US$2.95 a punt.
Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate sales and marketing president Ben Pyne said, "The Walt Disney Company is committed to making our content available to consumers however and wherever they want it. As broadband continues to grow, it's critical for us to offer our top properties to those turning to the internet and video-on-demand for a quality entertainment experience."
ABC News Now is a 24/7 news channel, delivering live breaking news and an array of current affairs programming. Disney Connection is child-friendly, ad-free, interactive environment for kids of all ages featuring videos, games and activities.
ESPN360, meanwhile, is the sports networks' broadband service, featuring exclusive and live programming, behind-the-scenes coverage and in-depth commentator analysis.
Movies.com Max is a new service of movie-related information and entertainment channel specifically programmed for broadband audiences, which is available for the first time through Verizon. It is within this that Statler and Waldorf feature, alongside exclusive video reviews of DVDs and films from Ebert and Roeper.
