Coming Soon: Verizon FiOS Media Server

[dkreichen1968]

By: Todd Spangler 2012-09-25 09:51:00

Verizon Communications in the next few months expects to roll out a gateway device, dubbed the Verizon Media Server, that will let third-party IP devices discover, access and control FiOS TV services -- but the company wants the FCC to postpone a rule mandating compliance with an “open” home-networking standard until mid-2014.

In December 2011, the telco announced its development of an IP-enabled media gateway for FiOS TV, built by Motorola Mobility, designed to distribute video wirelessly to tablets, game consoles and other devices in the home, as well as cut energy consumption. Along with the media gateway, the telco said it would distribute smaller IPTV set-top boxes, which will eventually be small enough to affix to the back of a TV.

Verizon hasn’t announced specific launch dates or pricing for the gateway. It previously was targeting “late 2012” to launch the device.

Read More: Verizon Nears Launch Of FiOS Media Server | Cable Television News | Broadcast Syndication | Programming | Multichannel.com

I've been hearing rumors of this for sometime. This certainly is the natural evolution of the technology. It should also be better for consumers since it will result in fewer, less energy hungry, Set Top Boxes. Of course if you make your living off of Set Top Box logistics it could be a bit unnerving.

 

[CptlA]

So the device that the media server is streaming to will have to have software to be able to pick up the signal? I'm guessing that other TV's will still need some type of box to pick up and decode signals?

 

[dkreichen1968]

So the device that the media server is streaming to will have to have software to be able to pick up the signal? I'm guessing that other TV's will still need some type of box to pick up and decode signals?

Yes, but that can be accomplished by a much smaller box (think Roku) or even by a dongle plugged into a powered HDMI port. So, one server and some dongles versus a QIP6416 or QIP7232 and several QIP7100s. It'll ultimately save Verizon a lot of money, and I'm sure it will give the customers a better user experience.