Record Numbers Watch Disney Channel's 'High School Musical 2' Preview on Verizon FiOS TV's Video on Demand

Record Numbers Watch Disney Channel's 'High School Musical 2' Preview on Verizon FiOS TV's Video on Demand

Popularity of 'On Demand' Service Continues to Grow

NEW YORK, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon FiOS TV video-on-demand customers in record numbers watched an advance showing of Disney Channel's "High School Musical 2" last week, as the popularity of VOD on FiOS TV continues to soar.

"Our customers were among the first to see the summer's hottest television movie phenomenon, and we are thrilled with the response," said Terry Denson, vice president -- Verizon FiOS TV content and programming. "Customers jumped at the chance to see the sneak peek, which in many markets was only available on FiOS TV. This is another example of the enriched entertainment experiences available through Verizon."

The highly anticipated sequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical" was available on FiOS TV's On Demand library a week prior to the movie's worldwide Aug. 17 premiere on Disney Channel. It quickly became the single most-watched VOD title in Verizon FiOS TV history, and viewings continue to add up. "High School Musical 2" will be available on Verizon VOD until Sept. 30.

In addition to the VOD showings, Verizon's more than 7 million FiOS Internet and Verizon High Speed Internet customers can access "High School Musical 2" content in Disney Connection within the Kids area of the VerizonSurround entertainment portal (www.verizonsurround.com/kids). The content includes a brand-new game, behind-the-scenes video footage and a complete guide to planning a "High School Musical 2" party. The public can also visit VerizonSurround to enter a sweepstakes for a grand prize of the ultimate barbeque party for the winner's school or community organization, complete with a visit from one of the "High School Musical 2" cast members.

Video-on-Demand Activity Increases Tenfold

"High School Musical 2" is the latest addition to Verizon's video-on- demand service, which is more popular than ever among FiOS TV customers. Monthly VOD activity on Verizon FiOS TV reached 10 million requests in July, a tenfold increase in 10 months, driven in part by the growth of FiOS TV's customer base and On Demand library. Verizon now has more than 8,600 titles available on demand per month, and more than 60 percent of them are free to FiOS TV customers.

Verizon's selection of on-demand programs and films crosses many genres and touches all age groups and interests. Its collection of on-demand programming for children is one of the largest in the industry. In addition to a portfolio of more than 100 Disney Channel titles, Verizon also offers family-friendly titles from Discovery Kids, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids Sprout and other programmers.

Verizon also presents several thousand free programs on demand, with topics ranging from "Info Education" and "Home and Leisure" to sports and music. For example, customers can see reviews of the latest electronic products from CNET, and they can watch nearly 2,000 music videos from all parts of the world. Also available are more than 300 videos that customers can download on their Verizon V CAST mobile service.

In the pay category, customers can select recent movie releases for $3.99 each and other films for $2.99 each. In addition, subscribers to HBO, Cinemax or FiOS TV's Movie Package automatically have on-demand access to past and present episodes of original programming like "The Sopranos" as well as movie releases.

Verizon provides FiOS TV and Internet services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network that reaches all the way to customers' homes. FiOS Internet, available in parts of 16 states, provides downstream connection speeds as high as up to 30 Mbps. to 50 Mbps. (megabits per second). Verizon FiOS TV offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, more than 20 high-definition channels and exclusive features, such as Home Media DVR, that aren't found on other systems.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 62 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

First Call Analyst:
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Source: Verizon

CONTACT: Sharon Cohen-Hagar of Verizon, +1-908-559-3470,
sharon.cohen-hagar@verizon.com

Web site: http://www.verizon.com/
http://www.verizonsurround.com/kids

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/618232.html

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Profile: International Entertainment