IMG 1.9.7 is slated to hit the “legacy” Verizon FiOS set-top hardware (that pre-dates the VMS Quantum DVR) beginning tonight in Buffalo, NY and PA, with the rollout expected to take a month or so… according to a source and imagery posted to DSL Reports. And boy what a massive update it is, headlined by all new “flat” visuals. Some releases notes:
“Auto tune” selected SD to the HD counterpart
More box art for movies and now TV programs
New Flat look to utilize guide space more efficiently
Better colors for features and reading
Improved “Search” for better content discovery
“Rotten Tomatoes” not only for VOD but in the program info screen
“Cast & Crew” not only for VOD but in the program info screen
“Upcoming Shows” not only for movies but now TV programs/Series in the program info screen
Improved “time line indicator” line to visually see how far into a program is
DVR list is now sortable
DVR groups can be sorted and filtered
Season and Episode, example: S3, E12, included throughout guide and DVR
“Premier” and “Finale” are included throughout guide and DVR
Box art within the guide and DVR
Participating providers, example HBO, will have links to On Demand content within the guide
Improved layout within the guide to allow for more content/detail
FiOS TV button on the remote will bring up “My FiOS TV”. 4 to 8 carousels from content Vz is pushing to content specific to what you watch.
DVR programs recorded, now indicates total and watched
“Live” events will automatically prompt to “Extend” recording time when selected to record
Improved technology to minimize duplicate recordings
Better use of Gracenote/TMS for more data on screen and content discovery
Transparent look with Trick play menus and overall transparent look
DVR “Play all” is easier to get to.
Pseudo “Start over” functionality. When you tune a movie half way through and that movie is carried in OnDemand (free) you will be able to hit the play button and start over
Linking to VOD from channel logo (will slowly trickle in as more providers provide approvals)
Faster launch times for Guide, VOD, DVR on 7xxx boxes