The eminently valuable Verizon Idea Exchange is not only a rich resource for customers and employees, somewhat reminiscent of the TiVo Community Forum back when TiVo actually cared participated, it’s also a blogger gold mine. Unfortunately, the news I bring you today represents a little short term pain based on customer feedback. Yet, it’ll presumably result in a better long term experience. The FiOS IMG 1.9 nationwide rollout has been temporarily placed on hold. From Verizon Director Joseph Ambeault:
We are pausing for a moment to incorporate some customer feedback into 1.9 (e.g. SD Override wizard and improved contrast between the text and background)… we’ll be back in action shortly.
We’re incorporating feedback we got from customers in the 4 markets that were already upgraded to 1.9. Just some minor tweaks as we get ready to roll to other markets in the coming months.
Anecdotally, based upon ZNF commentary, it does appear some users have had difficulty reading text within the toned down color scheme. But I have no idea what this SD Override wizard is, as I do my best to avoid SD channels. Not to mention that most televisions offer plenty of display modes to stretch or zoom content. But our audience is probably a little more savvy than the typical cable customer and it sounds like Verizon may have ended up with a number of confused or disgruntled subscribers who’ve received 1.9. Hopefully, they clear these issues and resume the rollout in short order. As I’m ready for the 16:9 guide and whole home streaming to/from each and every HD DVR.
In other Verizon Idea Exchange news, Joe reiterates his desire to free us from the set-top box – as originally covered from CES, where we witnessed FiOS TV running on Blu-ray players and an undisclosed gaming console. Perhaps fast tracked and corroborated by Disney and Fox. However, I’m most interested in an iPad app that streams live video simulcasts, to use as a kitchen and sunroom television, similar to what Cablevision and Time Warner Cable already provide. Make it so, Joe.
Lastly, it looks like the Verizon IMG widget platform will see an update at some point, making the SDK friendlier and more suitable for third party developers.