Verizon announced an expanded deal with Discovery Communications, adding Discovery Channel HD to its FiOS TV high-definition lineup in all markets, bringing the telco to a lineup of 21 national HD channels.
The telco also plans to make available HD simulcasts of Discovery's TLC, Animal Planet and The Science Channel in 2008 as part of its plans to deliver 150 HD channels next year.
"Discovery Channel HD is a great addition to the Verizon FiOS TV lineup as we close out 2007 and look forward to our HD expansion in 2008," said Verizon vice president of FiOS TV content strategy and acquisition Terry Denson in a prepared statement.
Discovery Channel HD is now available on FiOS TV channel 846. Verizon will continue to offer Discovery's standalone high-definition network, Discovery HD Theater, which features such fare as Sunrise Earth and wildlife, high-end auto and adventure programming.
“Discovery's nonfiction programs like our award-winning Planet Earth truly come alive in HD, making our channels top destinations for viewers,” Discovery president of domestic distribution and enterprises Bill Goodwyn sai, in a statement. “We are pleased to be working with Verizon to bring their customers HD simulcasts of Discovery's most popular networks and to help drive greater adoption of HD services.”
